Learn the warning signs of stroke

What is a stroke?

When you have a stroke, your brain isn’t getting the blood it needs to work properly. There are two types of stroke:

1. The blood vessels in your brain get blocked, and this stops the blood getting through. This is called an ischaemic type stroke. Ischaemic is the most common type of stroke.
2. The blood vessels in your brain break, so instead of blood travelling inside the vessel, the blood leaks out. This is called a haemorrhagic type stroke.

Learn the warning signs of stroke… Act F.A.S.T

Having a stroke is serious.

If you notice any warning signs of stroke, it is important to call an ambulance on triple zero (000) and get to the hospital.

When learning the warning signs of stroke, think F.A.S.T!

• Face = has the face dropped on one side?
• Arm = does the arm feel weak or a change in feeling on one side, like pins and needles or  numb?
• Speech = is your speech slurred or jumbled, or is it difficult to understand what someone is saying to you?
• Time = Time is CRUCIAL. Every second counts. The longer you wait, more damage can happen to your brain. Getting to hospital early means you will have more treatment options, and a better recovery potential.

Re-imagining F.A.S.T: A Dunghutti stroke survivor initiative

Did you know that Dunghutti Country is located in Australia’s number one stroke hotspot?

As a means to inform and educate community about the early warning signs of stroke, the Dunghutti stroke survivor group have been working with MNCLHD, Durri AMS, NSW Regional Health Partners, Healthy North Coast PHN and the University of Newcastle Department of Rural Health, to create a culturally relevant and meaningful early warning stroke message, Dunghutti style!

Resources

More information

To learn more about Re-imagining F.A.S.T, please contact Heidi Lavis: Heidi.lavis@health.nsw.gov.au