16 Jun Know the Signs of Stroke – Think FAST

Each year in New Zealand about 9,000 people have a stroke– that’s around one Kiwi each hour!

Delayed recognition of a stroke can have tragic consequences, including further damage to the brain or death.

The aim of the FAST campaign is to raise awareness that stroke is a medical emergency and to learn the FAST mnemonic.

• F- Face – Is their face drooping on one side?
• A – Arm – Is one arm weak?
• S – Speech – Is their speech jumbled, slurred or lost?
• T- Time – Time to call 111.

What are the key messages?

• A stroke can happen to anyone, anytime – it could be someone you know or the person next to you.
• It is important to recognise when someone is having a stroke and to start medical treatment as soon as possible because treatment can reduce brain damage and mean better outcomes.
• Know the signs of stroke. Acting FAST can save lives, improve recovery and reduce ongoing costs from stroke to families, caregivers and communities.
• Stroke is always a medical emergency, call 111 immediately.

Learn the FAST check and tell others about it. If we all learn to recognise the signs of stroke, we could save a life!