One in four people would fail to call 999 when witnessing first signs of a stroke

Call 999 when witnessing first signs of a stroke

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Public Health England has launched its annual Act FAST campaign in the North West to remind people of the key symptoms of stroke and the importance of calling 999 immediately if they notice any single one of the symptoms themselves or in others.

Research for PHE shows that 24% of people would wait to call an ambulance because they wrongly believe that they need to see two or more symptoms of stroke before making the call. Other barriers to dialling 999 include feeling that they need permission to act on behalf of others.

As part of the campaign, new films being released will encourage everyone in the North West – whether they are a stranger in the street, a family member at home or the person themselves – not to hesitate and to make the call immediately when they see any one of the key stroke symptoms:

• Face – has their face fallen on one side? Can they smile?
• Arms – can they raise both their arms and keep them there?
• Speech – is their speech slurred? 

Radio DJ Mark Goodier, who had a stroke last November, and TV presenter Anna Richardson, whose father had a stroke, tell their personal stories alongside people who have survived stroke, some who have recovered well and others who have been left with life-changing disabilities.

The stories show how disability can be greatly reduced if people react quickly to any of the signs of a stroke, urging people in the North West to act fast and call 999.

Over 143,000 people on GP registers in the area have had a stroke. In 2015 there were 4,520 deaths caused by stroke in the area. Nationally, there are over 100,000 strokes a year in the UK, causing over 40,000 deaths with two thirds of stroke survivors leaving hospital with a disability.

Dr Rebecca Wagstaff, Deputy Director for Health and Wellbeing at PHE North West said: “Stroke is one of the leading causes of death in the country, and the faster someone experiencing a stroke gets emergency treatment, the more chance that person has of surviving and avoiding serious disability.

“It is crucial to Act FAST when you see any single one of the symptoms of stroke, and do not delay making that all-important 999 call.”

The charity, Stroke Association, has been working with Public Health England and endorses the message that people need to make the call when they recognise any of the symptoms of a stroke.

Juliet Bouverie, Chief Executive, Stroke Association said: “We know people recognise the signs of stroke but they aren’t taking the right action at the right time. A stroke is a brain attack and acting fast makes a huge difference. You are more likely to survive a stroke and make a better recovery if you call 999 on spotting any one of the symptoms. The quicker you act the more of the person you save.”