Stroke campaign – act F.A.S.T.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is launching the F.A.S.T. public information campaign on Thursday 2 June 2011 to raise awareness of stroke signs and symptoms, and what to do if you think someone is having a stroke.

The F.A.S.T. campaign is designed to inform the public about F.A.S.T. – Face, Arm, Speech, and Time to call 999.

Face – Has their face fallen on one side? Can they smile?
Arms – Can they raise both arms and keep them there?
Speech – Is their speech slurred?
Time – Time to call 999 if you see any single one of these signs.

Stroke is a medical emergency and claims the lives of 1,300 people every year in Northern Ireland and is the third most common cause of death and the greatest cause of adult disability. Each year there are 2,300 emergency admissions to hospital for stroke. Research shows that awareness of the signs and symptoms of stroke, and what action to take, is low among the general population.

Stroke is an attack on the brain and requires immediate action, but not recognising the signs and symptoms can mean that urgent medical treatment is delayed, which increases the likelihood of brain damage. The campaign includes hard-hitting imagery to highlight the visible signs of stroke.

Dr Eddie Rooney, Chief Executive, PHA said: “Stroke is still one of the biggest causes of death and disability in Northern Ireland. It is essential that everyone recognises the signs of stroke and realises the importance of dialling 999 as quickly as possible. 

“It is vital that anyone who has a stroke is assessed medically as quickly as possible. Calling an ambulance and getting to hospital immediately can make a big difference in reducing the damage caused by stroke. For many, this prompt action will substantially improve their quality of life. The F.A.S.T. campaign will teach the community when to act fast and save lives.”

Dr Rooney continued: “The campaign will be sustained for three years, which will continue to drive home the important F.A.S.T. message to the population.”