Sydney residents will soon be better equipped to recognise and respond to a stroke thanks to a Stroke Foundation program that is proven to lift awareness of the key signs of stroke.
New South Wales Health Minister Brad Hazzard has approved a $250,000 investment into a one-year F.A.S.T Community Education program for Greater Sydney, to educate on the F.A.S.T message, as well as how to recognise and mitigate stroke risks.
This follows New South Wales Government support for the Stroke Foundation's regionally focused F.A.S.T Community Education Program over two years, which supported implementation of the $21.7m New South Wales Telestroke Service. The campaign resulted in a 20 per cent increase in the awareness of stroke signs across regional New South Wales.
F.A.S.T. stands for face, arms, speech, and time - the three most common signs of stroke and the reminder that time is critical for a good outcome, and to call an ambulance immediately.
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Sharon McGowan, commends Minister Hazzard and the New South Wales Government for their ongoing commitment to equipping the community with life-saving information.
"It's estimated that every year approximately 9,000 first-time strokes will be experienced by New South Wales residents. Recognising the signs and knowing to call triple zero as quickly as possible can be the difference between life or death and a good recovery or lifelong disability. I applaud the New South Wales Government's commitment to improve the health of its people," Ms McGowan said.
While awareness is increasing across New South Wales, 47 per cent of Sydney residents do not know a single sign of stroke, compared to 27 per cent of people living regionally in the state.
"In Sydney we have almost half of the population not knowing the common stroke signs. To survive and live well after stroke, you really want the person standing nearby to recognise a stroke when it happens and to call an ambulance urgently," Ms McGowan said.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said that with heightened awareness, Sydney residents will be better prepared in the event of a stroke.
"Strokes can occur at any time and any place, and awareness of symptoms is critical to enable early and appropriate treatment," Mr Hazzard said.
"The New South Wales Government values the work of the Stroke Foundation and after the introduction of the Telestroke service three years ago, the next big step is the state's first stroke ambulance which we will be rolling out next year.
"Having an ambulance that is specifically fitted out with the most advanced, state-of-the-art equipment required for stroke patients will improve treatment times and recovery for survivors of stroke."
Ms McGowan said the stroke ambulance is expected to deliver great results once on the ground in Sydney, specifically by giving more people faster access to the time-critical treatment stroke requires.
"The New South Wales Government is one of only four states and territories which see value in educating its population about the F.A.S.T message."
"We are grateful for Minister Hazzard's commitment to ensuring Sydney residents not only have the access to state-of-the-art ambulance care, but that they are well informed ahead of a stroke happening, and know they need to make that triple zero phone call," Ms McGowan said.
