Time ticking on stroke survival

Victorian families are being devastated by stroke because stroke patients are not accessing time-critical treatments that save lives and reduce disability.

Stroke Foundation data has revealed more than two-in-three stroke patients arrive at Victorian hospitals too late for time-critical clot dissolving treatments that could save their lives.

Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sharon McGowan said the state was home to some of the world’s leading minds in stroke and leading the way with innovative new stroke treatments, including the Stroke Ambulance and state-wide Victorian Stroke Telemedicine service. Yet, not enough Victorians were benefiting.

“The best stroke specialists in the world and most cutting-edge treatments in the world mean nothing if people don’t access them,’’ Ms McGowan said.

“Not enough Victorians know the signs of stroke or recognise stroke as a time critical medical emergency.

“Stroke attacks the brain, the human control centre. When a stroke strikes it destroys up to 1.9 million brain cells a minute, but with the right treatment at the right time this damage can be stopped.”

In the lead up to the Victorian election, Stroke Foundation is calling on the next State Government to invest $300,000 over four years in targeted F.A.S.T. community education to reduce stroke and speed up treatment.

F.A.S.T. identifies the most common signs of stroke. It refers to:
Face Check their face. Has their mouth drooped?
Arms Can they lift both arms?
Speech Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?
Time Is critical. If you see any of these signs call 000 straight away.

Ms McGowan said F.A.S.T. community education was a modest investment proven to deliver a significant impact in Australia and internationally.

Evaluation of the F.A.S.T. awareness campaign in the UK showed a return on marketing investment as high as 28:1. 

“Too many Victorian families continue to be devastated by stroke, this year alone there will be more than 14,000 strokes in this state,’’ Ms McGowan said.

“Stroke continues to kill more men than prostate cancer, more women than breast cancer and is the leading cause of acquired disability in adults, but it can be treated.

“The Victorian Government has invested greatly in stroke treatment. Now is the time for it to invest in ensuring all Victorians have access to those treatments and they are maximised.”

F.A.S.T. community education to reduce stroke and speed up treatment is a key element of Stroke Foundation’s election platform, Ready to Live. Ready to Live sets out a $5.1 million (four year) plan to deliver a better future for Victorian stroke survivors and their families. It also includes:

• StOP (Stroke Outreach Program) - Empowering survivors to act to prevent further stroke and live well.
• Ready for work – World first targeted project, investing in the future of working-age Victorians impacted by stroke.