Northern Trust encourages everyone to know the signs of stroke

A stroke is when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off and brain cells are damaged or die. Strokes claim the lives of around 1,000 people in Northern Ireland every year. It is the third most common cause of death and the greatest cause of adult disability. The Northern Trust is reminding people of the signs and symptoms of stroke, as acting quickly can improve the chances of survival.

The Public Health Agency’s (PHA) FAST campaign highlights actions to take if you think someone is having a stroke in an easy to remember way:

Face – Has their face fallen on one side? Can they smile?
Arms – Can they raise both arms and keep them there?
Speech – Is their speech slurred?
Time – Time to call 999 if you see any single one of these signs.

Dr Djamil Vahidassr, Stroke Consultant in the Northern Trust said, “In a recent survey carried out on the Stroke Ward, the majority of people who were admitted with a stroke were aware of the FAST campaign. However, most people delayed ringing an ambulance thinking their symptoms would get better.

“I would like to remind everyone that a stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention. Remember FAST – if you recognise any sign of stroke call 999 for an ambulance, as the sooner somebody who is having a stroke gets urgent medical attention, the better their chances of a good recovery.”

For more information visit www.publichealth.hscni.net, www.stroke.org.uk or www.nichs.org.uk.

9th November 2016