The NHS in England has launched the latest ‘Act FAST’ campaign – to increase awareness of the signs of a stroke and encourage people to dial 999 at the first sign.

A stroke strikes every 5 minutes in the UK. There are around 38,000 stroke-related deaths every year and it’s a leading cause of disability.  The campaign encourages people to Act FAST on any sign of a stroke as every minute is vital, to give patients quicker access to specialist treatment that could save their life and reduce the long-term effects of a stroke such as a disability. 

The campaign explains that the first sign of a stroke might not seem serious. Like struggling to smile, not being able to raise your arm or slurring when you speak.  Stroke symptoms can be less dramatic, painful or obvious than might be expected.  But even if doesn’t seem like much, at the first sign of a stroke call 999.