As speech pathologists, we are part of an allied health team who work together to help an individual to regain control of their life following a stroke.

Your role is to be aware of symptoms of stroke and to identify when someone is experiencing a stroke. Getting that person the treatment he or she needs as soon as possible is vital to their chance of survival and rehabilitation.

Do not hesitate to ring 000 if you believe somebody is showing symptoms of a stroke.

The National Stroke Foundation (www.strokefoundation.com.au) describes:

“A stroke happens when blood supply to the brain is interrupted. Blood is carried to the brain by blood vessels called arteries. Blood contains oxygen and important nutrients for your brain cells. Blood may be interrupted or stop moving through an artery, because the artery is blocked (ischaemic stroke) or bursts (haemorrhagic stroke). When brain cells do not get enough oxygen or nutrients, they die. The area of brain damage is called a cerebral infarct.”

How are you going to know when someone is having a stroke? You want to think FAST:

F – Face

You need to check his/her face. Has one side of the face drooped?

A – Arms

Can he or she lift both arms?

S – Speech

Is his/her speech slurred? Can he/she understand you?

T – Time

Time is critical. Call 000 asap!

The longer a stroke is untreated, the greater the chance of stroke related brain damage.

The faster you act, the better the chances of survival.

Look carefully, think FAST!

CB