A new survey has revealed greater awareness is needed in Australia of the most common signs of stroke to save lives and reduce stroke-related disability.
It’s estimated more than 27,400 Australians will have a stroke for the first time this year, that’s one stroke every 19 minutes.
Worryingly, the Stroke Foundation survey found 40 percent of Australians could not name any of the three most common signs.
These signs are known by the acronym F.A.S.T., which stands for Face (facial droop), Arms (inability to lift arms), Speech (slurred speech) and Time (Time to call 000).
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sharon McGowan said the survey indicated there is still a long way to go to ensure more Australians learn, and can benefit from, this potentially life-saving message.
“I have heard many stories about incredible outcomes from stroke because someone knew the F.A.S.T. test and called triple zero (000) immediately,” Ms McGowan said.
“Stroke is always a medical emergency. When stroke strikes, there is no time to lose. Around 1.9 million brain cells can die every minute. Prompt medical treatment can stop this damage.”
“If you can recognise a stroke, you can take the vital first step in getting a person, often a loved one, the emergency medical help they need. This provides the best chance of a good outcome.”
People are encouraged to use the F.A.S.T test if they suspect a stroke:
• Face: Check their face. Has their mouth drooped?
• Arms: Can they lift both arms?
• Speech: Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?
• Time is critical. If you see any of these signs call triple zero (000) straight away.
The Stroke Foundation’s F.A.S.T. awareness survey also revealed only 30 percent of people can recognise two of three signs of stroke, with a worrying gap in people’s knowledge about the inability to lift both arms.
“Only 9 per cent of Australians identify arm weakness as a sign of stroke, yet it is one of the most common signs,” Ms McGowan said.
“That is why we need to keep sharing the F.A.S.T message widely. It not only helps people remember the key signs to look for but prompts them to act as quickly as they can at the first sign.”
Survivor of stroke Ashley Wright is grateful his wife Shirley recognised he was having a stroke at home in September 2019 and wasted no time calling triple zero (000).
“I owe my life to Shirley’s quick thinking, the paramedics and doctors,” Ashley said.
“While I had to learn to walk, talk and eat again after my stroke, I have made a good recovery.I now share the F.A.S.T. message with all of my family and friends. Learning and sharing this message is a simple action that could save a life.”
Stroke Foundation also delivers F.A.S.T. signs of stroke awareness in eight language groups; Greek, Italian, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Arabic, Cantonese, Hindi and Korean. This is part of a broader consumer awareness and education program funded by the Australian Government. Targeted resources are also available for First Nations peoples.
Most strokes display one or more of the F.A.S.T. signs. Other signs are here.
The annual F.A.S.T awareness survey was conducted for Stroke Foundation by YouGov. The more than 5,200 Australians who participated included a weighted representation from every state and territory.
Key Findings
• 40 percent of Australians cannot name any of the most common signs of stroke.
• 30 percent of Australians recognise two of the F.A.S.T. signs of stroke in 2021
• 76 percent of Australians incorrectly identified signs of a stroke, confusing them with heart attack symptoms like chest pain.
• 80 percent of people would call triple zero (000) for stroke symptoms.
