Act FAST in Herefordshire and Worcestershire
The Stroke Association, in partnership with NHS Herefordshire and NHS Worcestershire, are holding a series of events across the two counties to encourage people to Act FAST if they suspect a stroke.
Awareness Days will be held in local supermarkets, shopping centres and markets, offering advice and information on recognising the signs and symptoms of stroke and encouraging people to Act Fast and call 999 if they suspect a stroke.
Alongside these events The Stroke Association will be distributing leaflets and other materials in libraries and community centres throughout the two counties and providing First Aid providers with resources to use in their training sessions. Professional training will also be provided for frontline NHS staff such as GP receptionists and Practice Managers by The Stroke Association.
The FAST Test
Evidence suggests that people who have had a stroke have much better outcomes if their stroke is treated as an emergency. Unfortunately however, stroke is not consistently being identified as a medical emergency by the general public, GPs and Accident and Emergency staff.
The Fast Test can help people to recognise the symptoms of stroke. 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.
