November newsletter 2024
This month's newsletter is all about F.A.S.T.
In this issue...
This month, you’ll get a refresher on F.A.S.T.: what it stands for, why it's so important to call 111 if you think someone is having a stroke, and hear from a stroke survivor who knows firsthand the importance of recognising stroke symptoms and thinking F.A.S.T.
What does F.A.S.T. mean?
F.A.S.T. is a really simple way to remember the signs of stroke. It stands for:
- Face drooping
- Arm weakness
- Speech difficulties
- Take action - call 111
If you experience just one of the signs above or notice someone else is experiencing one of these signs, don’t wait or think “it’ll pass”.
And don’t wait for another sign to become evident. TAKING ACTION quickly is vital and could save your life or theirs.
Why is it important to Take action - call 111?
If you suspect someone is having a stroke, you need to Take action - call 111 as soon as possible. As well getting an ambulance, with a trained health professional on board who can immediately assess the situation, calling 111 means that the hospital knows to expect a stroke patient and can get ready to further assess and start treatment as soon as they arrive.
Did you know that clot retrieval surgery for some strokes that are caused by a blood clot in the brain can only be performed within six hours of stroke symptoms beginning? Other treatments, such as receiving clot busting drugs, also need to happen as soon as possible to minimise irreversible damage to the brain. So, TAKING ACTION quickly gives the team at the hospital more treatment options and that can be the difference between life and death, or a much-improved recovery.
What happens if you don't act F.A.S.T.?
A stroke deprives your brain of oxygen, and this is a very serious medical emergency. Without oxygen, your brain cells begin to die. These do not regenerate - once they are dead, they are gone for good. Every minute a stroke is untreated, you lose around 1.9 million neurons, 14 billion synapses, and 12 km of myelinated fibres - all critical elements of a healthy brain. Delaying treatment can result in permanent brain damage, disability, or death.
Johnny's story
Kerikeri couple Johnny and Lizzie went out for lunch one day, when Johnny started feeling unwell and his speech starting slurring. Lizzie was familiar with the F.A.S.T. mnemonic through her work caring for stroke survivors, so she knew he needed to get to the hospital ASAP.
"The biggest thing was time," says Lizzie. "Time, time, time. You've got to get it sorted."
Thank you ❤️
Every dollar counts in the fight against stroke. We would like to acknowledge the following funders who supported us between June 2024 and October 2024:
June 2024 and October 2024 funders
June 2024 and October 2024 funders
- Acorn Foundation
- Alex McLean Charitable Trust
- Aoraki Foundation
- Aotearoa Gaming Trust
- Central Lakes Trust
- CE Lawford Trust (Perpetual Guardian)
- Charities Aid Foundation (CAF America)
- Community Trust of Mid and South Canterbury
- Community Trust South
- Dragon Community Trust
- EM Pharazyn Charitable Trust
- FH Muter Charitable Trust
- Geyser Community Foundation – Wallace Fund
- Geyser Community Foundation – Sam Millward Fund
- Good in the Hood – Z Stations Nationwide
- Kiwi Gaming Foundation
- Lion Foundation
- Lotteries National Community Fund
- Mainland Foundation
- Milestone Foundation
- Mouri Ora Fund
- NZ Community Trust
- Oxford Sports Trust
- Phillip Verry Charitable Trust
- Pub Charity
- Rano Community Trust
- Rata Foundation
- Rodmor Trust
- Trust Waikato
- We Care Community Trust
Noho ora mai, stay well
Jo Lambert
Chief Executive Officer | The Stroke Foundation of New Zealand