The HSE urges people to think F.A.S.T this World Stroke Day

To mark World Stroke Day which takes place today, Wednesday 29th October, the HSE is urging everyone to know the signs of stroke and the importance of seeking treatment as soon as symptoms appear. Strokes are a medical emergency, and urgent treatment is essential.

1 in 4 of us is at risk of stroke in our lifetimes. A stroke is a life-threatening medical condition, where blood supply to part of the brain is cut off by a blockage or a ruptured blood vessel.

A stroke can happen at any time. It is the third leading cause of death in Ireland and the leading cause of acquired adult neurological disability. Over 90,000 people live with the effects of stroke in Ireland, and it is estimated that there will be a 58% increase in incidents of stroke over the next 10 years.

Recognising the signs of stroke and acting quickly makes a significant difference to survival and recovery. The message is simple: the second you suspect a stroke, is the second you call 999 or 112.

An easy way to be aware of the signs of stroke is to remember the established acronym, F.A.S.T:

• Face – Has the face drooped or become weak on one side?
• Arm – Has an arm become suddenly weak or clumsy on one side?
• Speech – Has speech suddenly become slurred or confused in nature?
• Time – Time to act FAST: phone 999 or 112 for an ambulance immediately.

F.A.S.T. is a well-known worldwide acronym, and yet, there is still some hesitancy when calling an ambulance for stroke symptoms. You only need one of these symptoms for it to be a stroke. Currently, fewer than 50% of stroke patients arrive at the hospital within three hours of symptoms starting — a critical window for lifesaving and disability-reducing treatments. Acting quickly is vital in improving the outcomes of stroke. The sooner a person gets treatment, the less damage is likely to happen.

Professor Rónán Collins, HSE National Clinical Lead for Stroke, said, “This World Stroke Day, we’re calling on everyone to learn one simple word, F.A.S.T. Your brain loses about 2 million cells every minute it is without oxygen supply. This is why it is very important to try and get people to hospital in time. Every second counts. The second you suspect a stroke is the second you dial 999 or 112.”

There have also been significant advancements in stroke recovery in Ireland. Today, the HSE will publish a new report, Early Supported Discharge (ESD) for Stroke 2022 to 2023. Early Supported Discharge is an initiative in which stroke survivors can have therapy, social work and nursing support at home so that they can leave the hospital earlier. This allows patients to be more independent and are more likely to avoid long-term residential care. ESD also improves bed capacity across stroke units, with more than 800 stroke survivors benefiting from the initiative in 2023. On average, 22% of stroke survivors are discharged with ESD.

Sinéad Coleman, Programme Manager, HSE National Clinical Programme for Stroke, said, “It’s a common misconception that only older people can get a stroke. A stroke can happen to anyone. While care and outcomes have improved greatly over the past decade, it remains the leading cause of adult neurological disability in Ireland. For stroke survivors and their families, it can be a life-changing event. If you suspect that you or a loved one has even one of the signs of stroke, call an ambulance immediately.”

If you suspect that you or someone else is having a stroke:

• phone 999 or 112 immediately
• ask for an ambulance and say that it may be a stroke

Look out for the campaign on TV, radio and online, and the key message: ‘The second you suspect a stroke is the second you dial 999 or 112’. For more information, visit www.hse.ie/stroke.