01 March 2013
Islanders are being urged to act FAST if they suspect someone is having a stroke in a new campaign.
The Stroke Association in Jersey and Jersey’s Ambulance Service have joined forces, and the life-changing message is now on the outside of two of Jersey’s ambulances thanks to funding by the Stroke Association.
The campaign urges people to use the FAST test if they suspect someone is having a stroke to help them identify the signs and encourage them to call the Ambulance Service.
The launch today (Monday 4 March) comes on the same day as the UK Department of Health is launching the latest versions of national FAST adverts.
- facial weakness: can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?
- arm weakness: can the person raise both arms?
- speech problems: can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?
- time to call 999
It is estimated that between 100 to 150 people have a stroke each year in Jersey and it is the leading cause of severe adult disability.
Ian Black, Chairman of the Stroke Association in Jersey, said "Being able to recognise the signs of a stroke is potentially the best thing you could ever do for someone. Time saved in seeking medical attention can help people make the best possible recovery. All we’re asking you to know is what to look out for and what to do if it happens."
Operations Manager for the Jersey Ambulance Service, Richard D’Ulivo Rogers, said "We are delighted to have worked with the Stroke Association in Jersey to support this important message. Our vehicles are on the road all day, every day, answering call outs, so we hope this will be a highly visible and useful campaign to help Islanders spot the signs of a stroke more easily. The branding on the ambulances means that an important message comes across in an unusual way.
"The training for paramedics is designed to save lives and the earlier a stroke can be identified and the necessary care given the better the chances of survival and a more independent life."
Swift action
Swift action and treatment can make all the difference if someone has suffered a stroke and ensuring people receive immediate treatment and ongoing support is a local and national priority. Ambulance paramedics and technicians deal with stroke sufferers quickly and effectively, maximising survival and minimising the damage caused by a stroke.
What is a stroke?
- a stroke is a brain attack which happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, caused by a clot or bleeding in the brain
- one quarter of people who have a stroke in the UK are of working age but it can happen to babies and children
- the Stroke Association is a charity which supports people affected by stroke in the Island to help them rebuild their lives, and which campaigns to make people aware of how they can prevent it
- the Stroke Association relies on the support of Jersey people to do its life-changing work
gov.je