When stroke strikes – Act FAST

Wednesday 20th May 2015 – 9.30am – Steve Parry

The highly acclaimed stroke awareness campaigns have already saved over 4,000 people from long term disability according to Public Health England.

The Act Fast campaign highlighted the fact that problems with speech and weakness in the face and arms should prompt a 999 call for an ambulance. But what happens after that call has been made?

West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) has released two videos to explain how an emergency ambulance response and immediate treatment by clinicians is vital for patients suffering a stroke.

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off because of a blockage in a blood vessel or a bleed in the brain. The time lost in getting treatment results in brain lost, meaning that getting immediate medical attention is absolutely vital, often a life-saver.

WMAS paramedic and clinical team mentor James Brogan speaks about the treatment given to his mother when she suffered a stroke and also explains why it is so important that a 999 call is made for anyone suffering stroke symptoms: “The key aspect is that we get called as quickly as possible and we can transfer that patient as quickly as possible to give them the best chance of a positive outcome.”

Watch the videos and help reduce the debilitating effects of a stroke.

-END-

Editor Notes:

• ACT FAST Campaign
• Facial weakness – has the person’s face drooped, usually down one side
• Arm weakness – is the person able to lift both arms above their head
• Speech problems – does the person’s speech sound slurred
• Time to call 999 – if one or more of these symptoms are present call 999 immediately