State Member for Wallsend, Ms Sonia Hornery MP, is calling on everyone to think FAST and act FAST after worrying new statistics have found only 36 percent of Australians who suffer a stroke reach hospital within a critical 4.5 hour window for clot busting treatment.
The treatment, called thrombolysis, involves administering a drug which can break down and disperse a blood clot, significantly improving the outcome for patients.
Stroke treatment is time critical and people are being urged to arm themselves with potentially life-saving skills this National Stroke Week by thinking FAST, learning the signs of stroke and seeking hospital treatment immediately.
This year alone, Australians will experience more than 56,000 strokes. Stroke kills more women than breast cancer, more men than prostate cancer and leaves thousands with an ongoing disability.
Quotes attributable to Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery
“When a stroke happens, almost 1.9 million brain cells die each minute, so time is critical. With the right treatment at the right time, many people are able to make a full recovery.”
“This is where Australians of all ages can make a difference. Remember the word FAST, which stands for Face, Arms, Speech and Time.”
“Ask yourself these questions if you are confronted with a medical emergency you suspect may be a stroke. Has the person’s face drooped? Can they lift both arms? Is their speech slurred? If the answer to any of these is ‘yes’, call an ambulance straight away.”
“By knowing the signs of stroke you join the ‘FAST Response Team’ to help stop stroke. Please share the FAST message with your family, friends and colleagues.”
“The life you save may be your own.”