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Campaign

Stroke FAST campaign

Stroke is the leading cause of disability in Aotearoa New Zealand, with over 9,000 Kiwis experiencing a stroke every year.

A stoke is brain attack and is caused when a blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. A stroke can happen to anyone at any time and is always a medical emergency.

The F.A.S.T campaign encourages everyone to learn the key signs of stroke, and to think F.A.S.T act fast and look out for each other by calling 111 if they suspect a stroke. Prompt action can save lives, as well as improve recovery.

F.A.S,T is a mnemonic used internationally to help people remember some signs of stroke:

  • Face: is their face drooping on one side?
  • Arm: is one arm weak?
  • Speech: is their speech jumbled, slurred or lost?
  • Take Action: act fast and call 111 immediately if you see any of these signs.

Delayed recognition of a stroke means delayed intervention, which can have serious consequences including further damage to the brain or death.

It is vital for people to go directly to the hospital as soon as possible if any of these signs are present to be further assessed and be provided with appropriate treatment which could reduce the likelihood of long-term brain injury or death.

The 2020 F.A.S.T campaign builds on the success of past national FAST campaigns in 2016, 2017 and 2018. The campaign is a collaboration between the Ministry of Health, Te Hiringa Hauora/Health Promotion Agency and the Stroke Foundation of New Zealand.

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Key Messages

A stroke is a brain attack when blood supply to part of the brain is cut off.
A stroke is always a medical emergency. Call 111 immediately.
A stroke can happen to anyone at any time. It could be someone you know or the person next to you, including someone younger than expected.
It is important to recognise when someone is having a stroke and to start medical treatment as soon as possible because fast treatment can reduce brain damage and mean better outcomes.
Even if you are not sure it is a stroke, it is important to call 111 immediately if you see any of the signs.
Acting F.A.S.T can save lives, give people the best chance of recovery, and reduce ongoing costs from stroke to families, caregivers and communities.

More information and resources

For the most up to date information and downloadable resources can be found on the Stroke Foundation website.

The Stroke F.A.S.T campaign is a collaboration between the Ministry of Health, Te Whatu Ora and the Stroke Foundation New Zealand.