Act FAST: Knowing the signs of stroke has never been easier

A new iPhone application is set to put life-saving information about the signs of stroke at the fingertips of phone users, Health Minister Kim Hames said today.

Dr Hames launched the new iPhone application to mark the start of the National Stroke Foundation's Stroke Week 2010.

The Minister said National Stroke Week aimed to raise awareness about the signs of stroke using the simple FAST test:  Face, Arms, Speech and Time to act FAST.

"Prompt recognition of stroke symptoms is vital, since treatments need to be administered as soon as possible.  With each passing minute, almost two million brain cells are damaged in an acute stroke," he said.

Dr Hames was joined by stroke survivor Robert Harvey, who suffered a stroke at the age of 35.  Mr Harvey believes it was the quick action of colleagues who recognised he was having a stroke that had been pivotal to his recovery.

"The Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital's Stroke Team and Interventional Neuroradiology Service have developed an acute stroke management strategy which combines using the 'clot busting medication', tPA, and physically removing the clot by a catheter where appropriate.  They are now treating up to two patients a week with these intensive, 'interventional' stroke treatments," the Minister said. 

National Stroke Foundation chief executive officer Dr Erin Lalor said community understanding about strokes and how to react to signs that someone near was having a stroke proved a powerful way to reduce death and disability caused by the disease.

"When a stroke is suspected, every second counts - it is vital to call an ambulance immediately to give the patient the best possible chance of recovery," Dr Lalor said.

"There are life-saving treatments available but they are only effective if people act FAST."

Find out more about 'FAST', National Stroke Week and the new iPhone application at http://www.strokefoundation.com.au

Minister's office  - 9222 8788