A stroke is something that happens to someone else. We hear about it but feel detached. But what if someone close to you should begin to experience unusual symtoms? Speed and awareness can make the difference between someone making a full recovery, having long term disability and in some cases death.

No-one is invincible and strokes shows no prejudice. As we put more pressure on our lifestyles, something has to give. Poor diet, smoking, excess drinking, being over weight, high blood pressure and too much stress, can all lead to having strokes.

A UK campaign is raising awareness about what to in the circumastance that someone is having a stroke. You must act FAST.

F = FACE - has the face fallen on one side and can they smile?

A = ARMS - can they raise both arms and keep them there?

S = SPEECH - is the speech slurred?

T = TIME - just like a fire it is time to call the emergency services if you see any one of these signs

Emergency Numbers

UK is 999

France is 112

Italy 112 or 118