Australians will soon be better equipped to save a life when a stroke strikes, after it was announced the Stroke Foundation will receive $300,000 from the Federal Budget to continue delivering critical community stroke education programs.
The Foundation's F.A.S.T. Community Education Program provides educational tools to Australian communities, providing them with the knowledge to recognise the common signs and risks of stroke, and encouraging them to act fast when a stroke attacks the brain.
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Dr Lisa Murphy, welcomes the announcement.
" I thank the Federal Government for its investment in stroke education. This means we van continue our hard work of arming Australians with the critical knowledge that we know saves lives and improves outcomes for the tens of thousands of Australians who have a stroke every year."
Currently 38 per cent of Australians don't know a single sign of stroke but evidence from Stroke Foundation's annual F.A.S.T. Awareness National Survey has shown the foundation's community education program lifts awareness, meaning more Australians know what to look out for when a stroke strikes.
" Learning the F.A.S.T. acronym is the cornerstone of our community education program and we know it saves lives. When someone recognises the signs of stroke, they trigger a chain of important events. They call an ambulance quickly, which leads to treatment being received sooner and improves the chances of survival and a good recovery."
The F.A.S.T acronym (Face, Arms, Speech, and Time) highlights the three common signs of stroke - facial droop, the inability to lift both arms, and slurred speech - and reminds people they cannot waste time and must get emergency medical treatment.
Dr Murphy acknowledged today's announcement is a step in the right direction but says it can't stop here.
"An investment in stroke is an investment in a healthier Australia. I call on all parties to come together and support action on stroke, for Australians now and into the future."
