Press release -
Simon urges people across the South of England to act FAST
02 February 2015
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 the South of England 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
Simon Batsman, 20, from Winchester in the South of England had a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) otherwise known as a mini-stroke, in February 2013 and believes the FAST Test could have saved his life. Simon was in his first year at University and went to the fridge to get some milk but collapsed before he got there. He was weak down one side and his speech was affected. His housemate recognised the Arms and Speech symptoms from the FAST adverts so called an ambulance.Thanks to the quick response from his housemates Simon spent just a few days in hospital.
Katherine Staley, Regional Head of Operations for the Stroke Association in the South of England said: “When it comes to a stroke or TIA, 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 one in 10 people (12%) in the South 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.
Ends
For further information, please contact Cheryl Randeria on 07810 697957.
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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 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
