A new campaign launched by health professionals across Forth Valley aims to help people recognise the signs of stroke and react quickly.
ThinkFAST, a campaign organised by NHS Forth Valley and Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS), aims to emphasise how calling 999 as soon as stroke symptoms are suspected could save a life and limit damage to the brain.
The campaign follows the footsteps of a previous effort, which showed that recognition of the symptoms increased from 35 per cent to 49 and those seeking help immediately rose from 46 per cent to 62.
David Munro, senior planning manager of NHS Forth Valley, explained: “Prompt action can prevent further damage to the brain and minimise the impact of a stroke. Delay can increase the risk of death or major long-term disabilities, such as paralysis, severe memory loss and communication problems. Don’t ignore symptoms in the hope that they will go away.” People may find more information at stands that are being set up in Forth Valley Royal Hospital and supermarkets around the area or online www.chss.org.uk.
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