The TakeAway: Bob and Stew talk their strokes being StrokeSafe

Bob, can you tell us about your own stroke experience and why you became a StrokeSafe Speaker? (0.00 sec)

Bobs says, “24 November 2016. Five am I woke up with a start. I tried to sit up, but I could only use one arm, I assumed I had slept on it. When I tried to get up, I realised that my right side was paralysed. As the day went on my symptoms got progressively worse. I didn’t know much about stroke, and thought as a man in his early 40s, that I was too young to have a stroke. Because of my assumptions I made every mistake in the book, and it is only luck that I am still here. That is why I became a StrokeSafe speaker, I want other people to know what to do.”

Stewart, what do you remember about Bob’s StrokeSafe talk, and what stuck with you the most? (3.28 min)

Stew says, “I think I walked away knowing the signs of a stroke; Face, Arms, Speech and Time (to call 000). I also understood the signs can be varied, and I was aware of my own risk factors.

On the day of my stroke, I initially didn’t have the classic signs, but I knew my signs were neurological, when my speech went, I knew it was stroke and was able to say “stroke” and “ambulance” to my wife and she called triple 000.”

Bob and Stew, why do you think StrokeSafe and other programs are so important for the community? (6.30 mins)

Bob says, “The proof is in the man sitting beside me – Stew! It’s rare to get a physical illustration of the power of the talks. But I got a phone call from the hospital saying. “I had a stroke, and you saved my life man” it’s pretty extraordinary.”

Stew says, “That old saying ‘knowledge is power’ - this is really, really important knowledge. Take your health seriously, understand your risk factors, know the signs and how to act. It saved my life.

There is also stroke prevention information and on top of that, there is a support element. By being able to share with people what other programs Stroke Foundation does, I am able to link people and families with support programs and communities, that I know will help. It is very humbling.”

Bob and Stew say, “StrokeSafe talks do much more than provide stroke prevention information and the signs of a stroke. They can bring people together, and that is part of their strength.”