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FAST stroke action

Many strokes are preventable and the impact of stroke can be minimised if specialist treatment and care are reached quickly

A stroke is the brain equivalent of a heart attack. The blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted by either a blood clot or a bleed and surrounding brain tissue is damaged or dies, this affects body functions such as the control of limb movement.

Stroke is the third biggest killer in Wiltshire and the main cause of adult disability. One in four people who experience stroke is under 65; one in ten is under 55. Historically, the outlook for patients was bleak, but new medical treatments offer real hope for stroke victims and specialised intensive rehabilitation can limit disability.

A ‘mini-stroke’, or TIA (Transient Ischaemic Attack) is a minor stroke that lasts less than 24 hours. It’s often an important warning sign of a more serious stroke, heart attack or other vascular event.

Call 999 at the first sign of a stroke attack

Strokes are sudden and their consequences can be devastating. However, lives can be saved and disabilities prevented if people know the symptoms of stroke and call 999 at the first signs of an attack.

Stroke - Act F.A.S.T

Face Arms Speech Time: the best way to identify if someone has had a stroke

The acronym created by The Stroke Association – FAST – is used to assess three symptoms to help identify whether someone has had a stroke:

Facial weakness. Can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye dropped? Arm weakness. Can they raise both arms? Speech problems. Can you understand what they are trying to say? Are they speaking clearly? Time to call 999

Remember, if a stroke patient is treated immediately, the risk of long-term damage is reduced, which is why FAST is so important in spotting the signs. If you suspect someone is experiencing a stroke attack, dial 999 immediately.

More information about stroke is available from the Stroke Association website

NHS Wiltshire: delivering care to stroke patients

NHS Wiltshire has launched a Stroke Care Pathway plan to deliver the very best care to stroke patients in the county. We’ve also adopted best practice across a range of services including awareness, referral, treatment, urgent response and specialist rehabilitation.

Enabling people to reach specialist care quickly allows them to benefit from the newest treatments available and to have the best chance of making a good recovery.

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