CENTRAL Victorians are being reminded to look out for any signs of stroke this National Stroke Week.
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The Stroke Foundation's annual awareness campaign starts on Monday and will celebrate everyday Australians who know and recognise the signs of stroke - or the acronym, FAST.
Stroke Foundation Victoria State Manager Eamonn O'Toole said frontline workers and everyday Victorians, who act FAST when stroke strikes will be celebrated.
He said when these groups work together, lives can be saved and disability from stroke can be reduced.
"This National Stroke Week, I want to thank every person who plays a role in a stroke emergency," he said.
"That includes the person who recognises a stroke and calls triple zero (000), to the call taker, the paramedics, the doctors and nurses who treat the patient and the dedicated health professionals who support their recovery."
"These individuals are all "United by Stroke", which is the theme of National Stroke Week. They all make an incredible difference to lives and improve outcomes for the future."
Stroke attacks the brain, the human control centre. It is estimated more than 7,000 people in Victoria will have a stroke for the first time this year.
When a stroke happens, more than 1.9 million brain cells die each minute, but time-critical treatment can stop this damage.
Stroke Foundation wants at least one person in every household and workplace in Australia to know the FAST signs of stroke and understand they need to call triple zero (000) at the first sign - no matter how long it lasts.
The foundation has urged anyone who suspects someone they know is having a stroke to follow the acronym and do the following:
- Face - check to see if their mouth has drooped.
- Arms - can they lift both arms?
- Speech - is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?
- Time - if you see any of these signs, call 000 immediately.
Mr O'Toole said by sharing the FAST message with family and friends, you could save a life and possibly your own.
"It's simple. Acting FAST. can save lives," he said.
"Time saved equals brain saved. We can have the best health professionals and treatments, but you must get to hospital first to access them. Time saved equals brain saved."
National Stroke Week is also an opportunity for survivors of stroke to thank the health professionals who treated and cared for them and their FAST. hero on social media using #strokeweek2021.
More information about the signs of stroke and support can be found at strokefoundation.org.au.
Residents can also find support at the Bendigo Stroke Support Centre: strokeassociation.com.au/stroke-support-centres/bendigo
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