Act FAST, be aware of Stroke!

Every year there are approximately 152,000 strokes in the UK. That’s one stroke every five minutes. Most people affected are over 65, but anyone can have a stroke, including children and babies……A stroke is a brain attack!

Stroke happens when the blood supply to part of your brain is cut off. It can be caused by a blockage (Ischemic Stroke) in one of the blood vessels leading to the brain or a bleed (Hemorrhagic Stroke) in the brain.

Blood carries essential nutrients and oxygen to your brain. Without blood your brain cells can be damaged or destroyed. Strokes affect people in different ways, depending on the part of the brain that is affected, how widespread the damage is and how healthy the person was before the stroke. A stroke can affect the way your body functions as well as your thought processes and how you feel and communicate. A stroke can also have an emotional impact and can cause problems such as anxiety, depression or changes to your personality.



If you suspect that someone is having a stroke act FAST. With over 150,000 people in the UK having a stroke every year, it is imperative that people can recognise a stroke when it’s happening and take prompt action. FAST is an assessment of three specific symptoms of a stroke.


If the person has failed any one of these tests, you must call 999. Stroke is a medical emergency and by calling 999 you can help someone reach hospital quickly and receive the early treatment they need. You can see FAST in action by watching this very informative short video by the Stroke Association. For more information or support, please visit the Stroke Association Website

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