A new survey has revealed greater awareness is needed in the ACT of the most common signs of stroke to save lives and reduce stroke-related disability.
It’s estimated more than 400 ACT residents will have a stroke this year for the first time.
Worryingly, the Stroke Foundation survey found 37 percent of people in the ACT could not name any of the three most common signs.
These signs are highlighted in the acronym F.A.S.T. – Face (facial droop), Arms (inability to lift arms), Speech (slurred speech). The T stands for time to remind people that after seeing any of the signs of stroke, they need to immediately call 000 for an ambulance.
Stroke Foundation ACT State Manager Rhian Paton-Kelly said the survey indicated there is still a long way to go to ensure more locals learn, and can benefit from, this potentially life-saving message.
“I hear stories about incredible outcomes from stroke because someone knew the F.A.S.T. test and called triple zero (000) immediately,” Ms Paton-Kelly said.
“Stroke is always a medical emergency. When stroke strikes, there is no time to lose. Around 1.9 million brain cells can die every minute. Prompt medical treatment can stop this damage.”
“If you can recognise a stroke, you can take the vital first step in getting a person, often a loved one, the emergency medical help they need. This provides the best chance of a good outcome.”
People are encouraged to if they suspect a stroke:
• Face: Check their face. Has their mouth drooped?
• Arms: Can they lift both arms?
• Speech: Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?
• Time is critical. If you see any of these signs call triple zero (000) straight away.
The Stroke Foundation’s F.A.S.T. awareness survey also revealed only 34 percent of ACT residents can recognise two of the three most common signs of stroke, with a worrying gap in people’s knowledge about the inability to lift both arms.
“Only 8 per cent of people in the ACT identify arm weakness as a sign of stroke, yet it is one of the most common signs,” Ms Paton-Kelly said.
“That is why we need to keep sharing the F.A.S.T message widely. It not only helps people remember the key signs to look for but prompts them to act as quickly as they can at the first sign.”
Stroke Foundation has thanked the ACT government for its commitment to its critical work in educating the community about F.A.S.T., after it announced a three year grant in the recent state budget.
Stroke Foundation also delivers F.A.S.T. signs of stroke awareness in ; Greek, Italian, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Arabic, Cantonese, Hindi and Korean. This is part of a broader consumer awareness and education program funded by the Australian Government. Targeted resources are also available for First Nations peoples.
Most strokes display one or more of the F.A.S.T. signs.
The annual F.A.S.T awareness survey was conducted for Stroke Foundation by YouGov. The more than 5,200 Australians who participated included a weighted representation from every state and territory.
Key Findings
• 37 percent cannot name any of the most common signs of stroke.
• 34 percent recognise two of the F.A.S.T. signs of stroke.
• 77 percent incorrectly identified signs of a stroke, even when given options to choose from, confusing them with heart attack symptoms like chest pain.
• 82 percent would call triple zero (000) for stroke symptoms.
