How to '˜Act FAST' if a loved one has a stroke

People living across the Fylde coast have been urged to '˜Act FAST' if they suspect a friend or loved one is having a stroke.

By The Newsroom

Published 9th Feb 2018, 15:56 BST

Updated 9th Feb 2018, 16:00 BST

It comes as medics in the area backed a national campaign to remind people of the main symptoms of stroke and importance of calling 999 immediately.

F.A.S.T. teaches people what to look out for, including:

• Face – has their face fallen on one side? Can they smile?

• Arms – can they raise both arms and keep them there?

• Speech – is their speech slurred?

• Time to call 999.

Prof Mark O’Donnell, medical director at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, said: “NHS stroke care and survival are now at record levels, stroke is very treatable but every minute counts.

“Knowing when to call 999 when you see any single one of the signs will make a significant difference to someone’s recovery and rehabilitation.”

Other symptoms include sudden loss of vision, weakness or numbness down on side, memory loss, confusion, sudden dizziness, unsteadiness, or sudden fall.

See stroke.org