A NEW campaign launched by Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland hopes to improve stroke awareness in Dumfries and Galloway.
According to NHS health board data, 325 people in the region had a stroke last year.
CHSS and the Scottish Ambulance Service launched the F.A.S.T. campaign on World Stroke Day this week to highlight awareness of stroke signs and symptoms.
F.A.S.T. is a mnemonic that stands for: Face. Arm. Speech. Time.
It illustrates three of the common signs of stroke and highlights the importance of acting quickly to call emergency services.
YouGov polling commissioned by CHSS revealed that 39 per cent of adults in Scotland were not familiar with F.A.S.T.
With almost 11,000 people in Scotland experiencing a stroke each year, raising public awareness of stroke signs and the need to take immediate emergency action when someone is experiencing a stroke is essential to improve health outcomes and save lives.
The public awareness campaign is aimed at increasing the correct identification of stroke symptoms and assessment for hyper-acute stroke treatments for those who require them.
Jane-Claire Judson, chief executive officer of CHSS, said: “Stroke affects thousands of Scots of all ages each year.
“CHSS supports many of those affected by stroke to live full lives. We hear first-hand from those we work with the importance of quick action and access to treatment when symptoms appear.
“By launching our F.A.S.T. campaign, we want to empower the Scottish public to act quickly and confidently if they think they or someone around them is experiencing stroke.
“The quicker the signs and symptoms are recognised, the quicker the phone call is made, the more likely we can save people from significant life changing disabilities and get them the help they desperately need. Acting F.A.S.T. could save your life or the life of someone you love.”
To view the new F.A.S.T. advert and to find out more about the campaign please visit: www.chss.org.uk/fast.
