Press release -
Bradford stroke survivor urges people to act FAST
The Stroke Association today launches a new initiative to help more people affected by stroke receive emergency medical treatment.
The charity is calling for people across Yorkshire and Humberside to support the FAST Forward campaign by learning the signs of a stroke and sharing the message to help save more lives.
The FAST Test identifies the three most common symptoms of a stroke or mini-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
Keith Robertshaw, 72, from Bradford had a stroke in July 2013 and he and his family believe the FAST Test has made a huge impact on his recovery. Swift action from his wife Rita meant that Keith received the clot busting treatment thrombolysis after just 22 minutes of arriving at hospital, breaking all records at Bradford Royal Infirmary.
The couple were preparing to go out for the day and Keith had gone to set the house alarm but was instead standing pointing at the keypad, looking confused. Realising things were not right Rita immediately rang 999. Arriving at hospital in time for thrombolysis had a huge impact on Keith’s recovery, with the movement in his right arm returning quickly. Keith has been left with short term memory loss, his taste has been affected and he can sometimes struggle to find the right words.
Rita said: “Having been married for 42 years, you know when something is wrong. Although Keith didn’t show the most common symptoms of stroke, I was well aware of the FAST adverts and knew to call 999. Keith is now doing really well and if we hadn’t acted so quickly, the effects of his stroke could have been so much worse. I’d tell anyone who thinks they may be having a stroke to act FAST and get help immediately.”
Julia MacLeod from the Stroke Association said: “When it comes to stroke, time lost is brain lost. A stroke is caused by a blockage or a bleed in the brain, which cuts off the brain’s flow of oxygen and causes brain cells to die. So recognising the symptoms of stroke and calling 999 for an ambulance as quickly as possible is absolutely vital. Acting FAST can help reduce the devastating impact a stroke can have.
“We know that well over a tenth (13%) of people in Yorkshire and Humber wrongly believe a stroke could never happen to them.(i). Sadly this cruel condition can happen to anyone at any time. The more people who are FAST aware, the more lives we can save.”
To find out more about the FAST Forward campaign, and to view information and support available, visit www.stroke.org.uk/FastForward.
Topics
Categories
Regions
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 around 152,000 strokes in the UK every year and it is the leading cause of severe adult disability. 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
