Maghera stroke survivor urges people to act FAST

The Stroke Association is calling for people across Northern Ireland to be more aware of the early warning signs of stroke, and to share the FAST message to help save more lives.

The FAST Test identifies the three most common symptoms of a stroke and the right action to take:

●FACE: 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

Barney Lagan, 66, from Maghera survived a stroke in August 2016 and is now spreading the word about recognising FAST Test symptoms.

Barney said: “I was doing some work around the house one day when I suddenly felt very dizzy. I sat down on the front door step and then I realised I couldn't move my right arm and right leg. I tried to call out to my wife but could only manage a groan. I also noticed my face had drooped. I had seen the FAST adverts on TV and wondered if that was happening to me. My wife thought the same and quickly called the ambulance.

The ambulance came very quickly and I was taken to Antrim Area Hospital and then on to the Royal Victoria Hospital - where I received quick life-saving treatment. I was really lucky that I received my treatment so quickly. I received Speech and Language Therapy as well as Physiotherapy after my stroke - these really helped with my recovery. Now I am doing really well - I was so determined to get back onto my feet! I’m now driving again which has helped getting my independence back.

I believe that recognising the F.A.S.T symptoms as well as getting to hospital quickly to receive the appropriate treatment really made a difference to my recovery. That is why I am supporting the F.A.S.T campaign in Northern Ireland.”

Brenda Maguire, Campaigns Manager said: “Having a stroke is devastating. It can happen to anyone, of any age, at any time. Every second counts when you are having a stroke, so recognising the signs and calling 999 for an ambulance is crucial. A stroke is a medical emergency – as serious as a heart attack, so you need to seek immediate medical help. The quicker a person arrives at a specialist stroke unit, the quicker they will receive appropriate treatment to minimise the impact of their stroke.

“We want more people across Northern Ireland to learn the FAST test and share it with their friends and family to help others to save lives, and improve the chance of a better recovery for those who experience stroke.”

To find out more about the FAST campaign, and to view information and support available, visit www.stroke.org.uk/FAST.

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A stroke is a brain attack which happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, caused by a clot or bleeding in the brain. There are more than 100,000 strokes in the UK each year; that is around one stroke every five minutes. There are over 1.2 million people in the UK living with the effects of stroke.

Stroke Association is a charity. We believe in life after stroke and together we can conquer stroke. We work directly with stroke survivors and their families and carers, with health and social care professionals and with scientists and researchers. We campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best recovery they can. We fund research to develop new treatments and ways of preventing stroke. The Stroke Helpline (0303 303 3100) provides information and support on stroke. More information can be found at www.stroke.org.uk