Stroke Foundation is urging Perth residents to learn one of the most common yet least recognised signs of stroke in a bid to arm Australians with the life-saving knowledge of how to spot a stroke.
The Foundation’s most recent annual F.A.S.T. National Awareness Survey found that only eight per cent of Perth residents are aware that inability to lift both arms is a sign of stroke despite it being one of the three key indicators.
According to National Stroke Audit data, close to 60 per cent of Australian stroke patients present to hospital with arm deficit.
“This is a significant proportion of stroke patients who are arriving to hospital with this particular indicator of stroke so it’s concerning that the majority of people living in Perth don’t know it’s a sign.” Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Dr Lisa Murphy, said.
The F.A.S.T. acronym highlights the three most common signs of stroke (face, arms, speech). The T stands for time as a reminder that there is no time to waste, stroke is a medical emergency and always a 000 call.
“Knowing the signs of stroke is a crucial first step in receiving emergency treatment and increasing the chances of surviving and living well after stroke. By knowing the signs, you recognise a stroke sooner, call an ambulance sooner, and get emergency medical treatment sooner.” Dr Murphy said.
Not only do Perth residents currently have low awareness of inability to lift both arms as a stroke sign, but that awareness has declined compared the previous year’s survey, and Dr Murphy says that’s a huge concern.
“Perth can’t afford to be going backwards in the fight against stroke. Not knowing the signs can cost lives and lead to a delay in getting time-critical treatment. A stroke is a brain attack, and brain cells die with every passing minute. Early intervention can be the difference between life or death and a good recovery or lifelong disability.”
When compared to the other two key strokes signs used in the F.A.S.T. acronym, Perth residents’ recognition of facial droop is 35 per cent and speech difficulties is 50 per cent.
“By comparison recognition of inability to lift both arms as a stroke indicator is incredibly low and we really want to improve this through educating as many people as possible,” Dr Murphy said.
Stroke Foundation is urging all Australians to remember that Face, Arms, Speech and Time make up the F.A.S.T. acronym, and that acting fast to get emergency treatment is critical when a stroke strikes.
Stroke Foundation has worked closely with the West Australian government since 2018 to educate the broad community about stroke risk, signs, and the actions to take when stroke strikes. Through this F.A.S.T. Community Education Program, 6500 people have received information about the vital signs of stroke and prevention messages through StrokeSafe talks.
