Act FAST to treat stroke and save lives

People across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan are being urged to familiarise themselves with the symptoms of stroke - one of the biggest causes of death in Wales.  

Public health experts say early medical treatment for stroke not only saves lives but increases the chances of recovery.  

The Act FAST campaign is launching across Wales on Thursday, April 27 to remind people about the symptoms of stroke and the importance of getting urgent medical help.   

Stroke is the fifth single leading cause of death in Wales and the single largest cause of complex disability. A delay in getting treatment for stroke kills brain cells and can sadly prove to be fatal. That’s why it’s important to act FAST:  

• Face - has their face fallen on one side? Can they smile?  

• Arms – can they raise both arms and keep them there?  

• Speech – is their speech slurred?   

• Time – even if you’re not sure, call 999.  

Shakeel Ahmad, the National Clinical Lead for Stroke, said: “For every minute a stroke is left untreated, up to two million brain cells die, so it’s important to act FAST. It can make a significant difference to someone’s chances of survival as well improve their recovery and rehabilitation.”  

Katie Chappelle, the Stroke Association’s Associate Director for Wales, said: “Every five minutes, someone in the UK will have a stroke. Stroke kills tens of thousands and leaves others with complex and severe disability every year.  

“Acting FAST is the biggest thing you can do to save a life. As soon as you see any of the signs of stroke in yourself or someone else, you need to call 999. Treating mini strokes with the same urgency as strokes is also vital. If you spot any of these signs, even for a short time, it’s important you take action.  

She added: “Last year we saw thousands of people with suspected stroke put off calling 999 due to fear of catching COVID-19 or being a burden on the NHS. People could now be living with more severe disability than they otherwise would because they put off calling 999. That’s why you need to know that acting FAST and calling 999 saves lives.”  

For more details on Act FAST please go to NHS 111 Wales - Health A-Z : Stroke