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Act F.A.S.T. Stroke Campaign Launch

Act F.A.S.T. Call 999 if you see any single one of the signs of a stroke.

There are around 100,000 strokes in England, Scotland and Wales every year. Stroke is the fourth single leading cause of death in the UK and the single largest cause of complex disability.

The F.A.S.T. (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) acronym provides a memorable way of identifying the most common signs of a stroke and emphasises the importance of acting quickly by calling 999.

Think and Act F.A.S.T. if you see any single one of these signs of a stroke:

 

  • Face – has their face fallen on one side? Can they smile?
  • Arms – can they raise both arms and keep them there?
  • Speech – is their speech slurred?
  • Time – even if you’re not sure, call 999.

 

When Stroke Strikes Act F.A.S.T. Call 999

A stroke is a ‘brain attack’, caused by a disturbance in the blood supply to the brain. It’s a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. So recognising the signs of stroke and calling 999 for an ambulance is crucial. The sooner somebody who is having a stroke gets urgent medical attention, the better their chances of a good recovery.
 

Learn more about stroke on the NHS 111 Wales website.

 

Released: 27/04/2023