Suspect a stroke? Act FAST

One of the main aims of the Stroke is a Medical Emergency campaign was to raise awareness of the symptoms of stroke. With over 150,000 people in the UK having a stroke every year, it is imperative that people can recognise a stroke when it's happening and take prompt action

What is a stroke?
A stroke is a brain attack. It happens when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted. Most strokes occur when a blood clot blocks the flow of blood to the brain. Some strokes are caused by bleeding in or around the brain from a burst blood vessel.

What are the symptoms of stroke?
To help people recognise the symptoms of stroke quickly, The Stroke Association has funded research into FAST - the Face Arm Speech Test - which is used by paramedics to diagnose stroke prior to a person being admitted to hospital. By diagnosing the possibility of stroke before reaching hospital, it is possible for appropriate referral to a stroke unit to be made as quickly as possible.

What is FAST?
FAST requires an assessment of three specific symptoms of stroke.

Facial weakness - can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?
Arm weakness - can the person raise both arms?
Speech problems - can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?
Time to call 999

If the person has failed any one of these tests, you must call 999. Stroke is a medical emergency and by calling 999 you can help someone reach hospital quickly and receive the early treatment they need. Prompt action can prevent further damage to the brain and help someone make a full recovery. Delay can result in death or major long-term disabilities, such as paralysis, severe memory loss and communication problems (aphasia).

Materials
 

We have produced a poster and leaflet to increase awareness of FAST. The leaflet includes a wallet-sized card that can be detached and kept as a reminder of stroke symtoms. 

FAST A4 poster updated (46 kb)
FAST A5 leaflet updated (78 kb)
FAST wallet-sized card (35 kb)

To order Act FAST posters and leaflets phone 01933 403963 or email sime@stroke.org.uk

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