Life saving stroke message delivered to your door

Stroke Foundation has partnered with Cahoots Connects to ensure Western Australians know what to do if a potentially life-threatening stroke strikes.  

The free shopping delivery service is currently distributing cards which outline the F.A.S.T. (Face. Arms. Speech. Time.) signs of stroke with shopping orders.  

Cahoots Connects clients include people who are too anxious to go shopping, people living with disabilities, experiencing mental health concerns, Immunocompromised, Of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin, Of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds, people over the age of 65 and a carer for any of the above.  The service currently operates in Perth metro, Mandurah and Bunbury and will expand to other regions of the state in the coming months.

Cahoots Connects Chief Executive Officer Jess Karlsson said the organisation was proud to help boost awareness of the F.A.S.T. message.  

“For more than 35 years, Cahoots has connected people in a way that enriches the lives of individuals, families and the community through supportive and inclusive opportunities,” Ms Karlsson said.

“Our collaboration with Stroke Foundation is no different. We are connecting the Western Australian community to valuable information that can save lives by including F.A.S.T. cards in our deliveries.

“If you receive a F.A.S.T. card, put it somewhere prominent in your home and share this important message with your family and friends.

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in Australia.

More than 5,000 strokes will be experienced in Western Australia this year alone and almost 45,000 stroke survivors are living in the community.

Stroke Foundation Western Australia State Manager Jonine Collins said it was vital people know the F.A.S.T. signs of stroke and get to hospital quickly for treatment.

“When a stroke occurs, it kills up to 1.9 million brain cells every minute, but access to early treatment can stop this damage,” Ms Collins said.

“Learning F.A.S.T. and calling triple zero at the first sign of stroke could save a life.

“We thank Cahoots Connects for standing with us on our mission to prevent stroke, save lives and enhance recovery by helping us deliver this life-saving message.”

Stroke Foundation has an easy way for people to recognise and remember the signs of stroke: F.A.S.T.  Face – Check their face. Has their mouth drooped?

 Arms – Can they lift both arms?  Speech – Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?