Act FAST shows anyone can be a stroke saver
The Act FAST campaign, which aims to raise awareness of the signs of stroke, will air its TV advert today.
The Act FAST campaign, which aims to raise awareness of the signs of stroke, will air its TV advert today.
The advert shows the symptoms we should look for to identify someone suffering from a stroke, making everyone a potential stroke saver.
Watch the TV advert:
The common symptoms of stroke are:
- 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?
Public Health Minister Anna Soubry said:
_“Despite being a treatable condition, stroke continues to be the third leading cause of death in England and the largest cause of adult disability. It does not need to be this way. _
_“Treatment for stroke is improving, with more and more patients being seen in specialist stroke units. _
“However, in order for people who have had a stroke to get the treatment they need quickly, it’s essential that we are all aware of the signs and symptoms so we can Act FAST.”
Following a successful Act FAST campaign last year, the NHS in England saw a 25% rise in stroke related 999 calls, and a 19% rise in stroke sufferers being seen quicker.
The campaign was originally launched in 2009.