Stroke awareness messages come to Jersey’s roads

James Qualtrough | March 4, 2013 | 0 Comments

Islanders are being urged to Act FAST if they suspect someone is having a stroke in a new campaign launched today (Monday 04 March) in Jersey.

The Stroke Association in Jersey and Jersey’s Ambulance Service have joined forces to promote the life changing message on the outside of two of Jersey’s ambulances, which was funded by the Stroke Association in Jersey. The campaign urges people to use the FAST test if they suspect someone is having a stroke to help them identify the signs and encourage them to call the Ambulance Service.

The launch comes on the same day as the UK Department of Health is launching the latest versions of national FAST adverts.

FAST stands for:

* FACIAL weakness: Can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?
* ARM weakness: Can the person raise both arms?
* SPEECH problems: Can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?
* TIME to call 999.

It is estimated that between 100 to 150 people have a stroke each year in Jersey and it is the leading cause of severe adult disability.

Ian Black, Chairman of the Stroke Association in Jersey said: “Being able to recognise the signs of a stroke is potentially the best thing you could ever do for someone. Time saved in seeking medical attention can help people make the best possible recovery. All we’re asking you to know is what to look out for and what to do if it happens.”

Operations Manager for the Jersey Ambulance Service, Richard D’Ulivo Rogers said: “We are delighted to have worked with the Stroke Association in Jersey to support this important message. Our vehicles are on the road all day, every day, answering call outs, so we hope this will be a highly visible and useful campaign, which will help Islanders spot the signs of a stroke more easily. The branding on the ambulances means that an important message comes across in an unusual way.

“Our crews answer a number of call outs each year which are to do with Islanders having a stroke, and we know that swift action and treatment can make all the difference if someone has suffered a stroke. Reducing the incidence of stroke and ensuring people receive immediate treatment and ongoing support is a local and national priority This is not just a high profile poster campaign. Ambulance Paramedics and Technicians deal with stroke sufferers quickly and effectively – maximising survival and minimising the damage caused by a stroke.

The training for the paramedics is designed to save lives. The earlier a stroke can be identified and the necessary care given the better the chances of survival and a more independent life.”