The Friendlies is joining the Stroke Foundation in urging people to think FAST and learn the signs of stroke.

The Bundaberg Stroke Support Group have a display in the Friendly Society Private Hospital foyer as part of National Stroke Week in an effort to spread awareness of the FAST message and knowing the signs of stroke.

Stroke Week is educating the community that speed saves when it comes to stroke.

This Stroke Week, the Stroke Foundation is sending a vital message to the community to act fast if you think you or a loved one is having a stroke.

People are unaware that a speedy reaction to stroke could mean the difference between life and death and the Stroke Foundation is encouraging people to know the signs of stroke and how to minimise their own risk.

Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sharon McGowan said there would be more than 50,000 strokes in Australia this year and sadly many people missed out on accessing life-saving treatment as they don’t get to hospital on time.

“We want the community to be aware that stroke is always a medical emergency. When you have a stroke, your brain cells start to die at a rate of almost two million per minute,” Mrs McGowan said.

“Being aware of the signs of stroke and knowing to call 000 as soon as it strikes is crucial in the fight against this terrible disease.”

National Stroke Week runs from 31 August to 6 September. It is an annual event which aims to raise the awareness of stroke within the community and encourage Australians to take action to prevent and be aware stroke.

About National Stroke Week

It is an annual event which aims to raise the awareness of stroke within the community and encourage Australians to take action to prevent stroke.

This year we want Australian’s to understand the impact time has on a stroke. A speedy reaction not only influences the treatment path for a person having a stroke but also their recovery. Most treatments for stroke are time sensitive so it is important we Think F.A.S.T. and Act FAST!

The F.A.S.T. test as an easy way to remember the most common signs of a stroke:

Face – Check their face. Has their mouth drooped?

Arms – Can they lift both arms?

Speech – Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?

Time Is critical. If you see any of these signs call 000 straight away.