It’s Stroke Awareness Month… would YOU know how to respond if someone has a Stroke?
If someone has a Stroke, it’s important to recognise the symptoms so you can act quickly.
If someone has a stroke, it’s important to recognise the symptoms so you can
act quickly.
The world-wide FAST message campaign offers this memorable approach:
F for Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of their face droop?
A for Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms and keep them raised. Does one arm drift downward?
S for Speech: Is their speech slurred or strange?
T for Time: If you observe any of these signs, call emergency services right away.
Other visible symptoms include:
• Confusion, problems speaking, or understanding
speech
• Loss of vision in one eye or both eyes
• Dizziness or loss of balance or coordination
• Severe headache with no known cause
• Vomiting or difficulty swallowing
• Unconsciousness
Available treatments for stroke can be very effective but have to be undertaken very quickly after first symptoms appear if the effects are to be minimised.
The faster you act, the better the chance of recovery. If you suspect a stroke, dial 999 for an ambulance and explain the symptoms.
Do please share these details with your friends, family and colleagues, so they will know how to spot someone having a stroke and how to react… or recognise if they themselves are having a stroke.
Support YOUR local stroke community
If you live in the Bristol and South Gloucestershire area, Bristol After Stroke is the dedicated charity supporting stroke-affected people in our community on their recovery journeys… through groups, communication cafes, mentoring, counselling and activities such as walking netball and walking football.
To support our work, why not set yourself a personal challenge – such as taking part in a run or cycle event, abseiling, or doing a parachute jump – get sponsored for your challenge and donate the money to Bristol After Stroke.
“We support over 1,300 people in our community every year,” says Rebecca Sheehy, “but we rely heavily on charitable giving to fund our activities – including exercise sessions, groups, communication cafes, counselling, mentoring and walking sports such as netball and football.
“Much of what we do is run by volunteers, making every pound we raise go a long, long way. But the more money we raise, the more we can do for local stroke-affected people on their recovery journey.
“To make Bristol After Stroke your local good cause, simply set up a Just Giving Page and make us your charity of choice!”
To find out more about our work, go to https://www.bristolafterstroke.org.uk/ or get in touch via [email protected]
