The National Stroke Foundation had raised awareness of stroke and it's warning signs via the FAST campaign since 2006. When the FAST campaign was first introduced 76% of Australians could correctly identify at least one symptom of a stroke occuring. In 2010 this has increased to 81% of Australians.

This is a positive increase, but still highlights the work that still needs to be done to make sure all Australians know this life saving message.

The F.A.S.T test is any easy way to remember and recognise the signs of stroke. FAST stands for Face, Arms, Speech and Time to act.

• Face - Check their face. Has their mouth drooped?
• Arms - Can they lift both arms?
• Speech - Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?
• Time - Is critical. If you see any of these signs call 000 straight away.
  

The signs of stroke may occur alone or in combination and they can last a few seconds or up to 24 hours and then disappear.

To help us to spread the FAST message, you can run an activity in your community to help with this life saving work. You can run an activity any time in many different ways, to find out more:

If you would like more information, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or contact 1800 STROKE (1800 787 653).

FAST TVC  Fire in the Brain