FAST – what does this acronym mean?
Do you know how to determine if a family member, friend or work colleague could be having a life-threatening Stroke?
A Stroke is caused by either a blood clot or ruptured blood vessel in the brain and is one of Australia’s biggest causes of death. The Australian Stroke Foundation states that stroke kills more women than breast cancer and more men than prostate cancer.
Some Facts from the Australian Stroke Foundation:
- Strokes can happen at any age.
- 80% of Strokes can be prevented
- In 2023, 1 in 4 Strokes occurred in people below 65 years of age
- When a stroke strikes, it attacks up to 1.9 million brain cells per minute
- Without action by 2050, it is predicted the number strokes experienced by Australians annually will increase to 72,000.
The FAST test is an easy way to recognise and remember the signs of stroke.
Using the FAST test involves asking these simple questions: (The below information has been adapted from the Australian Stroke Foundation)
- Face – Check their face. Has their mouth drooped? Can they smile evenly? Has one side of face dropped? Do they all of a sudden feel numbness or tingling on one side of the face?
- Arms – Can they lift both arms? Or get them to squeeze both your hands.
- Speech – Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?
- Time – Time is critical and Act FAST! If you see any of these signs, call 000 or 112 (mobile phones) straight away.
