The Department of Health’s Act F.A.S.T. campaign has led to an increase of more than half (55.5%) in stroke calls to the emergency services (999). New research published today also shows that 84% of the public remember the campaign and its graphic depiction of stroke spreading like fire in the brain.

The Act F.A.S.T. campaign has raised awareness of the importance of quick treatment to stroke survivors such as Owain Wyn-Jones, 30, from Shropshire, whose life was saved when his fiance Laraine Adams identified his face dropping and slurred speech as a sign of stroke, having seen the campaign adverts. Owain says his girlfriend’s quick reaction probably saved his life.

Commenting on the campaign, Health Minister Ann Keen said:

“Stroke is still one of the biggest causes of death and disability in England. It’s important that everyone recognizes the signs and realizes the importance of dialing 999 as quickly as possible.  The faster treatment begins the more we can limit damage caused to the brain. The Act F.A.S.T. campaign has clearly had a big impact already and I hope more people will now see it and learn when to act fast and save lives.”

The Act F.A.S.T. campaign launched in February this year with hard-hitting imagery to highlight the visible signs of stroke and encourage people to call 999 as soon as possible.  Advertising to support the Act F.A.S.T campaign will recommence on Monday 9th November. The ongoing campaign is designed to inform the public about FAST – Face, Arm, Speech, Time to call 999. FAST is a simple test to help people to recognize the signs of stroke and understand the importance of emergency treatment. The faster a stroke patient receives treatment, the better their chances are of surviving and reducing long-term disability.

It is hoped that the Act F.A.S.T campaign will continue to help increase awareness of stroke, and equip people with knowledge about the signs of stroke so that they can help family, friends and others should a stroke occur. Over half (59%) of those questioned had been affected by stroke in some way, with 7% having suffered a stroke themselves and 35% having a family member who had.

Responding to the research, Joe Korner, Director of External Communications at the Stroke Association said:

“The FAST adverts have really made an impact – the more people that recognize stroke symptoms and get emergency treatment the better.  Calling an ambulance and getting to hospital immediately can make all the difference for stroke survivors. For many, this prompt action will substantially improve their quality of life.”

Direct stroke care costs the NHS £2.8 billion a year, with a further £1.8 billion lost in income and productivity as a result of disability.  A new online test has also been launched by the NHS to help people to recognize all the signs of stroke and prompt 999 calls when necessary.

Source: Department of Health

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