A recent Stroke Foundation survey has found the number of people in the Forrest electorate who know to call triple zero when someone is having a stroke is significantly decreasing.
Every year, Stroke Foundation surveys thousands of Australians on their awareness of the most common signs and risks of stroke.
The most recent F.A.S.T survey of 5,000 people, conducted last year, revealed the percentage of people who know to call triple zero as a first action when a someone is having a stroke, dropped from 89 per cent in 2020, to 72 per cent – a 17 per cent decrease in just one year.
Stroke Foundation National Manager Stroke Treatment, Kelvin Hill, says the statistic is concerning considering the importance of calling triple zero immediately when someone is having a stroke.
“Every stroke is an emergency and must be treated that way so a call to triple zero is absolutely the first action that should be taken. We know the sooner a stroke patient receives specialist emergency treatment, the better their chances of survival and a good recovery.”
The key to receiving fast treatment is firstly recognising the life-saving signs of stroke and knowing the F.A.S.T acronym, which not only helps identify the signs of stroke but reminds people they need to act quickly. F.A.S.T is Facial drooping, inability to lift both Arms, slurred Speech and Time.
The F.A.S.T survey also found that four in 10 residents of Forrest could not recall any of the most common signs of stroke. Mr Hill says that figure needs to change.
“Every single minute counts. When a stroke strikes it kills up to 1.9 million brain cells per minute so recognising a stroke and getting treatment quickly improves the chance of survival and successful rehabilitation.”
In the Forrest electorate alone, the average number of strokes per 100,000 people is 217 which is more than double the average for the entire state of Western Australia (102)
Stroke Foundation is working hard to drive that number down through prevention and awareness.
“Stroke Foundation’s aim is for someone in every workplace and household to know the F.A.S.T acronym. I’d encourage everyone to learn the signs and share it with their friends and family because we know this acronym saves lives.” Mr Hill says.
