More than 56,000 strokes will be experienced by Australians this year and during Stroke Awareness Week this week, St John Ambulance is urging residents to learn to recognise the signs of stroke and to act quickly.
A stroke occurs when there is a lack of oxygenated blood getting to the brain, which may be caused by a bleed or a clot in one of the arteries.
St John Ambulance NSW CEO Sarah Lance says that the longer a stroke remains untreated, the greater the chance of stroke-related brain damage.
“Strokes can often be difficult to detect, so knowing how to recognise when a stroke is happening is the first step,” she said.
“That recognition can mean the difference between life and death. This is where the F.A.S.T test comes in.”
Using the F.A.S.T test involves asking these simple questions:
Face: Check their face. Has their mouth dropped?
Arms: Can they lift both arms?
Speech: Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?
Time: Time is critical. If you see any of these signs, call 000 straight away.
It’s also important to utilise basic first aid principals such as supporting their head and shoulders, loosening tight clothing, ensuring airways are clear and placing the patient in the recovery position if they lose consciousness.
Remember that time is the most important element to consider – every second counts.
