Just like we know “Slip, Slop, Slap” or “Drop,
Cover, Hold”, more New Zealanders need to know about the
F.A.S.T. message in identifying strokes.
F stands for
face drooping, A for arm weakness, S for speech difficulty
and T for take action. If any of the three signs of stroke
or a combination of them are noticed, then 111 should be
dialled immediately.
The Stroke Foundation of NZ is
marking World Stroke Day on Saturday, 29 October, by
reminding people that when it comes to stroke, minutes can
save lives.
“More than 9,500 strokes are occurring
each year, and it is no longer an issue just affecting older
people,” says Jo Lambert, Chief Executive of the Stroke
Foundation.
“We encourage people to think about
F.A.S.T., as that knowledge could help them save the life of
someone they know,” she added.
To spread the F.A.S.T.
message, the Foundation is sharing four distinct stories of
New Zealanders from diverse backgrounds.
Pete
Cronshaw
Journalist and TV Producer, Pete Cronshaw,
was heading on a walk with his 19-year-old daughter when his
speech suddenly started slurring and his face started
drooping. Although his symptoms quickly faded, Pete’s
daughter took him to the emergency room when he experienced
the same symptoms a few hours later.
“Common sense
goes out the window when your brain is under attack. I knew
the warning signs. I knew something was seriously wrong and
suspected I was having a stroke. Still, I went into denial!
You can’t rely on your own training and knowledge. My
daughter did everything right. It is the people around you
that will ultimately save your life when you suffer a
stroke.”
Pete had suffered two Transient Ischemic
Attacks (TIAs). TIAs are often referred to as mini-strokes
and don’t normally result in permanent damage. Pete was
discharged and cleared to head home. Less than 24 hours
later, he experienced a devastating stroke while he was
asleep, which affected his speech for a few
months.
Margaret Broughton
It was the week
before Christmas 2020, and Margaret Broughton was combing
her granddaughter Katya’s hair when they both became aware
that Margaret’s speech had started to slur. Alarmed, she
tried to stand up, lost her balance and fell to the
floor.
4-year-old Katya knew something wasn’t right
with her Māmā Margaret and ran to her Pāpā, Nga, for
help. Nga found Margaret lying unresponsive on the floor,
and although he wasn’t aware that she was having a stroke,
he called an ambulance.
Thanks to Katya and Nga’s
quick actions and fast access to treatment, Margaret has had
a positive outcome for her stroke. In 1999, Margaret’s
sister Tina passed away from a stroke at the young age of
38.
Hannah Paterson
Hannah Paterson was only
31 years old when she experienced a stroke on August 1,
earlier this year. A primary school teacher and artist,
Hannah experienced her stroke while she was leading a
reading group in her classroom.
“I was sitting on the
floor with a group of kids when I felt the walls closing in
and sensed my sound become warped like I was plunged
underwater. I knew something was really wrong when I looked
down and saw my left hand resting on my chest but could not
feel it,” Hannah reveals.
“I experienced all three of
the F.A.S.T. signs (face drooping, arm weakness and speech
difficulty) but there was a short delay before we called
111. Knowing what I know now, I would call immediately,”
Hannah reflects.
Lauano Akeli
In January 2022,
Lauano Akeli experienced a stroke at home as he was making
himself a cup of tea. The symptoms came on suddenly – he
experienced sudden weakness in his arm when trying to pick
up his mug.
“I went to go stand up, lifted the cup
and it fell. I tried holding the cup, lifting it again and
it fell again. I put the cup down and tried to lift my leg
and it wouldn’t move,” Lauano remembers.
Lauano
Akeli’s wife Telesia was frightened when she saw his face
and eyes drooping. Instead of calling an ambulance, however,
the family tried to use the traditional method of healing
(Samoan fofo).
Because of the unfortunate delay in
seeking medical attention, the damage caused by a lack of
oxygen to the brain for that extent of time has affected
Lauano’s recovery. The family is looking to raise
awareness and encourage other Pacific peoples to learn the
key signs of a stroke, how to act F.A.S.T and how to reduce
the risks.
- While stroke is the
leading cause of disability and the second-biggest single
cause of death in New Zealand for all adults, indigenous,
and ethnic minority groups are disproportionately
impacted. - Ultimately, 75% of all strokes are
preventable and high blood pressure is the leading risk
factor for stroke, that is modifiable. - According to
the latest population statistics, there could be more than 1
million New Zealanders living with high blood
pressure.
About the Stroke Foundation of New
Zealand:
The Stroke Foundation is a national charity
in New Zealand focused on the prevention of and recovery
from stroke. For over 40 years we have actively promoted
ways to avoid stroke and dedicated ourselves to working
closely with stroke survivors across the country. The
generosity of New Zealanders enables us to help thousands of
stroke survivors every year; providing them with critical
services to ensure the best possible outcomes – not just
for themselves, but also their family/whānau and carers
too. To find out more about the Stroke Foundation, go to
www.stroke.org.nz
© Scoop Media
Discussion about this post