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A stroke is a medical emergency the facts

September 09, 2016
There will be more than 50,000 strokes in Australia this year – that is one every 10 minutes. Sadly many people miss out on accessing life-saving treatment as they don’t get to hospital in time.

Recognising that someone is having a stroke, and getting them to hospital quickly is vital, as the more time that passes, the more brain dies – resulting in greater disability or even death.

Many treatments such as clot busting drugs are reliant on time, with a safe treatment window of four hours.

We want all Australians to be able to recognise the signs of a stroke, and to call 000 immediately. This gives a person the best chance of survival and to minimise potential lifelong disabilities.

1. What is a stroke?
2. What are the signs of a stroke?
3. What to do while you wait for the ambulance

Be aware that stroke is always a medical emergency. When you have a stroke, your brain cells start to die at a rate of almost two million per minute. Being aware of the signs of stroke and knowing to call 000 as soon as it strikes is crucial in the fight against this terrible disease.
 

Fire in the Brain - FAST TVC from Stroke Foundation on Vimeo.