Recognise the signs, act FAST – Stroke Week message from McCurdy

As National Stroke Week (August 4–10) gets underway, The Nationals Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, is encouraging locals to take note of the Stroke Foundation’s important public awareness campaign: Act FAST.

Mr McCurdy said the campaign highlights how recognising the signs of stroke quickly can save lives, particularly in regional areas where immediate medical access may be limited.

The acronym FAST helps people remember the most common signs of stroke:

• F – Face: Is the person’s face drooping?

• A – Arms: Can they lift both arms?

• S – Speech: Is their speech slurred?

• T – Time: Call 000 straight away.

According to the Stroke Foundation, facial drooping, arm weakness and slurred speech are the most frequent warning signs, but other symptoms can include dizziness, loss of balance, severe headache or difficulty swallowing.

The Foundation also warns that if these symptoms disappear quickly, it could be a Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA), also known as a “mini-stroke”, which should never be ignored.

Mr McCurdy said it was critical that people know what to do if a stroke is suspected. The Stroke Foundation’s advice includes:

• If conscious, lay the person on their side with head slightly raised.

• Do not give them anything to eat or drink.

• Loosen tight clothing and support any weak limbs.

• If unconscious, check for breathing and a pulse. Start CPR if needed.

“This is potentially lifesaving knowledge, and I encourage everyone across the Ovens Valley to take a moment during Stroke Week to familiarise themselves with the signs,” Mr McCurdy said.

Pictured: Tim with Heidi Victoria holding a "Team Stroke" shirt.