In the UK, a stroke occurs every five minutes, affecting millions worldwide annually. A stroke happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted, requiring immediate treatment. The Trust is joining a global campaign to highlight the signs and the urgency of acting FAST.
Members of the Stroke team from Cheltenham have been engaging with the public, checking blood pressure and raising awareness. Knowing the signs is the essential first step in ensuring prompt treatment.
The FAST acronym is crucial for recognising stroke symptoms:
F – Face: Has the person's face fallen on one side? Can they smile, or has their mouth or eye drooped?
A – Arms: Can the person raise both arms and keep them there, or does one arm drift downwards?
S – Speech: Is their speech slurred or garbled, or are they unable to talk despite appearing awake? Can they understand what you are saying?
T – Time: It is time to call 999 immediately if you notice even one of these signs, even if you are not sure or the symptoms seem to go away.
F – Face: Has the person's face fallen on one side? Can they smile, or has their mouth or eye drooped?
A – Arms: Can the person raise both arms and keep them there, or does one arm drift downwards?
S – Speech: Is their speech slurred or garbled, or are they unable to talk despite appearing awake? Can they understand what you are saying?
T – Time: It is time to call 999 immediately if you notice even one of these signs, even if you are not sure or the symptoms seem to go away.
Support for stroke survivors and their families in the UK is available through the Stroke Association, which provides information and aids recovery.
