Stroke ads speed treatment

Monday November 9th, 2009

A publicity campaign in England to improve emergency treatment of stroke has had a dramatic effect, it was announced today.

Growing numbers of people know when to dial 999 because of suspected stroke - with the number of calls to the emergency services on the subject increasing by more than half, according to department of health researchers.

And 84 per cent of the public report remembering the campaign - which urged people to follow the FAST guidelines for recognising stroke.

Owain Wyn-Jones, aged 30, from Shropshire, is among patients whose lives may have been saved. He said his girlfriend Laraine Adams recognised he was having a stroke after seeing the adverts.

Some 110,000 people suffer a stroke in England every year.

FAST stands for "Face, Arm, Speech, Time to call 999".

The new figures come from a YouGov survey of some 1,762 adults.

Joe Korner, of the Stroke Association, said: "The FAST adverts have really made an impact - the more people that recognise stroke symptoms and get emergency treatment the better.

"Calling an ambulance and getting to hospital immediately can make all the difference for stroke survivors. For many, this prompt action will substantially improve their quality of life."

Health minister Ann Keen said: "Stroke is still one of the biggest causes of death and disability in England. It's important that everyone recognises the signs and realises the importance of dialling 999 as quickly as possible.

"The faster treatment begins the more we can limit damage caused to the brain. The Act F.A.S.T. campaign has clearly had a big impact already and I hope more people will now see it and learn when to act fast and save lives."

Tags: A&E | Brain & Neurology | General Health | UK News

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