Maintaining stroke awareness and knowing how to respond is crucial for Australians as they age. Across Australia, a stroke occurs every 11 minutes, making it one of the country’s biggest killers.
This is why initiatives like Stride4Stroke, a movement-based fundraising event, are so important. By raising awareness of the F.A.S.T. signs of stroke, more people can recognise and assist individuals experiencing a stroke.
What is a stroke?
A stroke occurs when the brain does not receive enough oxygen, typically due to a blood clot or bleeding. This lack of oxygen causes cell death in the affected area, potentially resulting in irreversible brain damage. Strokes are more likely in people with high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
In Australia, over 445,000 people live with the effects of stroke, and one in four Australians will experience a stroke in their lifetime, costing the country over $26 billion in 2020 alone.
What are the signs of a stroke?
Recognising a stroke quickly is essential for a rapid response. The F.A.S.T. method helps identify a stroke:
- Face – Check for mouth drooping
- Arms – See if they can raise both arms
- Speech – Look for slurred speech
- Time – Act fast and call 000 immediately
Additional stroke indicators include:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Severe headaches
- Vision loss or impairment
- Difficulty speaking
- Loss of consciousness
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Weakness or numbness in the face, arms, or legs
- Decreased balance
How to respond to a stroke
Knowing how to respond is critical when someone is experiencing a stroke. Here are the steps for responding:
- Call 000.
- Help the person sit or lie down comfortably with their head and neck supported.
- Loosen any tight clothing to keep them comfortable and warm.
- Wipe away fluids from the mouth as needed.
- Offer reassurance, especially if they are having difficulty communicating.
- Stay with them until help arrives.
Raising awareness
There are many ways to raise awareness and funds to prevent strokes and support recovery. National events like World Stroke Day on 29 October and National Stroke Week in August promote this cause.
At Trilogy Care, we’re raising funds for the Stroke Foundation’s Stride4Stroke event. Our team is actively contributing to this important fundraiser, which resonates with many of our care recipients and their families.
Trilogy Care can assist with your health
If you’re concerned about your health, particularly your risk of stroke, our team is here to help. We have a dedicated clinical team, including trained nurses, to support your healthcare needs.
If you’re interested in working with a Home Care Package provider focused on enhancing your health and helping prevent stroke, call Trilogy Care at 1300 459 190 or contact us here.
