Stroke - get stroke help FAST
15th September, 2008
Federal Member for Wide Bay, Warren Truss wants the community to be alert to the signs of stroke, as part of the National Stroke Foundation’s campaign during National Stroke Week from September 15.Mr Truss is assisting the Stroke Foundation by distributing FAST wallet cards.
“The FAST wallet cards help people to remember the signs of stroke and provide advice on what to do if you experience the symptoms or see the signs in another person,” Mr Truss said.
FAST stands for Facial weakness, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, Time to act FAST by calling 000 immediately could prevent death or severe disability.
In 2007, the National Stroke Foundation asked Australians aged 40 what they know about stroke and 15 per cent said they did not know any of the signs of stroke.
“The National Stroke Foundation is working hard to get the FAST message out to 1.3 million Australians,” Mr Truss said.
“It is an important and potentially life saving message because getting the right medical attention as fast as possible could help to reduce the impact of stroke.”
The Chief Executive Officer of the National Stroke Foundation, Dr Erin Lalor says many Australians do not realise the extent of stroke.
“Not only is it Australia’s second biggest killer but the number of strokes will increase each year as Australia’s population ages unless we can reduce the incidence rate.
“In the next 12 months Australians will suffer nearly 60,000 new and recurrent strokes — that’s one every ten minutes. In the next ten years more than half a million people will suffer a stroke,” Dr Lalor says.
FAST wallet cards are available from Mr Truss’ electorate office or by calling 1300 301 968.
