'Act FAST if you suspect a stroke' urges MP

‘Act FAST if you suspect a stroke’ urges MP

Tony Wright MP is urging people across Great Yarmouth to act FAST if they suspect someone to be having a stroke.

The call comes as the national ‘act FAST’ awareness campaign enters its second year. Tony and NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney are urging everyone to familiarise themselves with the symptoms and take immediate action if they suspect someone they know has suffered a stroke.

Strokes are caused by clots or bleeds in the brain, and lead to a loss of brain function. The symptoms people should look our for are:

• Face weakness – can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?
• Arm weakness – can they raise both arms?
• Speech problems – can they speak clearly and understand what you say?
• Time to call 999 – if they have any one of these symptoms, call an ambulance immediately.

Tony said:

‘Speed is everything in treating someone who has had a stroke and the FAST campaign is a brilliant way to remember the best actions to take. Stroke affects around 150,000 people each year and is the biggest cause of disability in the UK. It is vital that people are aware of the symptoms and familiarise themselves with these steps so that they know what to do as it could save lives.’