Stroke sufferers took nearly 90 minutes on average to call for help last year, as per figures disclosed by the Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme at King’s College London. Strokes and mini-strokes, often caused by a blood clot or bleed on the brain, result in the interruption of blood supply leading to the death of brain cells. These vascular events are identified as the fourth primary cause of death in the UK, attributing to around 38,000 deaths annually and can cause long-term disabilities such as paralysis, memory loss, and communication difficulties without prompt intervention.
The audit data analysed over 41,000 patients who reported the time of symptom onset, revealing an average delay of 88 minutes between the appearance of initial symptoms and the subsequent emergency call to 999. A recent survey of 2,000 adults in England indicated that 57% believed that two to three symptoms of a stroke were necessary before contacting emergency services. In response to these findings, the NHS is launching a new campaign advising the public to immediately call 999 upon experiencing any of the three common stroke symptoms: difficulty smiling, struggling to raise an arm, or slurring of speech.
Since 2009, the NHS has advised the public to remember the acronym FAST (face, arms, speech, and time) to facilitate the recognition and response to stroke signs. However, NHS national medical director Professor Sir Stephen Powis highlighted the importance of further support to enhance public awareness and identification of stroke symptoms. Prompt action in calling emergency services can ensure rapid access to specialised treatment, increasing the chances of minimising long-term stroke effects.
Stroke survivor Dionne Hudson featured in the campaign film shared her experience, emphasising the critical need for immediate medical attention even when symptoms may not seem severe. Hudson initially dismissed the weakness in her hand as a trivial issue due to the absence of pronounced facial or speech abnormalities. Her delayed response led to a near-fatal situation, underscoring the significance of early intervention in stroke cases.
Dr David Hargroves, NHS national clinical director for stroke, reiterated the importance of swift diagnosis and treatment in preventing extensive brain cell damage during a stroke. With approximately 100,000 stroke cases reported in the UK annually, the emphasis on early recognition and rapid emergency response is crucial in saving lives and mitigating long-term repercussions. The campaign aims to educate the public on the diverse symptoms that may indicate a stroke, regardless of age or background, underlining the necessity of immediate action to seek medical assistance upon symptom onset.
Public health minister Andrew Gwynne highlighted the significance of raising awareness about stroke symptoms to facilitate timely treatment and potentially save lives. The government’s initiative to address preventable causes of strokes, such as heart disease, through the NHS Health Check programme underscores the commitment to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular conditions. By engaging over 1.3 million individuals annually, the programme aims to prevent approximately 500 heart attacks and strokes each year, demonstrating a proactive approach towards safeguarding public health.
In conclusion, the campaign’s launch underscores the critical need for heightened awareness and swift action in responding to stroke symptoms. By reinforcing the importance of early recognition and emergency response, the NHS aims to empower individuals to take decisive steps in seeking prompt medical attention during a stroke, thereby enhancing treatment outcomes and reducing long-term implications associated with these vascular events.