Think 'FAST' to identify signs of stroke

A campaign to help people recognise the signs of stroke was launched today (Monday 9 February).

The campaign informs the public about FAST - Face, Arm, Speech, Time to call 999 - a simple test to help people to recognise the signs of stroke and understand the importance of fast emergency treatment.

Stroke, a loss of brain function due to a clot or bleed in the brain, is the third leading cause of death and the single largest cause of adult disability in England.

Swift emergency action can limit damage and dramatically increase a person's chances of surviving and of avoiding long-term disability.

Health Secretary, Alan Johnson, said: "Despite a big improvement in services, stroke still kills over 67,000 people in the UK each year and leaves thousands more disabled. In many cases, death or disability from stroke can be avoided, but recognition of these early warning signs is crucial.

"This campaign will help make sure that people having a stroke and those around them can recognise the signs and appreciate the need for fast emergency treatment."

As well as saving lives, the Department of Health says that the cost saving to the NHS as a result of this campaign will be significant. Direct stroke care costs the NHS £2.8 billion a year, and the wider economy a further £1.8 billion in income and productivity losses as a result of disability. The informal care cost is £2.4 billion.

Professor Roger Boyle, National Director for Heart Disease and Stroke, said: "Stroke spreads like a fire in the brain - the sooner you get to treatment and put the fire out, the less damage is caused to the brain.

"The faster a stroke patient receives emergency treatment, the better their chances are of surviving and minimising long-term disability."

Jon Barrick, Chief Executive of The Stroke Association said: "The Department of Health's stroke awareness campaign is vital. Better public understanding of stroke, its symptoms and treating it as a medical emergency will significantly improve the chances of recovery for the 150,000 people who have a stroke every year in the UK. The Stroke Association has been promoting FAST since 2005. We know that it's the best way for people to remember how to recognise the signs of stroke and call 999 straight away. The awareness campaign will give this work a fantastic boost and could help reduce avoidable deaths resulting from stroke."