The tv star is supporting Irish Heart Foundation’s ‘Act F.A.S.T. – Minutes Matter’ campaign
New data shows an alarming decline in stroke sufferers getting to hospital in time to receive potentially lifesaving clot-busting treatment in Ireland.
Only 46% of stroke patients arrive at hospital within the recommended three-hour window, despite quick action potentially meaning the difference between recovery, permanent severe disability or death.
With this in mind, the Irish Heart Foundation is driving its campaign ‘Act F.A.S.T. – Minutes Matter’ to create greater awareness of stroke’s key warning signs: facial drooping, arm weakness and slurred speech.
Supporting the campaign is much-loved Irish actress Pauline McLynn, who lost both her parents to stroke. Pauline’s mum Sheila, 86, passed away last October, while her dad Padraig, 69, died 17 years ago from a stroke.
“The F.A.S.T. message is simple,” Pauline says. “It is just reminding people to think that way if they have any suspicions, it’s better to be safe than sorry, and time is the one to remember. Despite losing two parents to it, it doesn’t make me feel there’s no hope – the quicker someone can be treated, the better the prognosis.
“It’s amazing the amount of people who have had strokes – and a number of people I know survived them.”
The F.A.S.T. warning signs are as follows:
FACE: Can the person smile or has their mouth or eye drooped?
ARM: Can the person raise both arms?
SPEECH: Can they speak clearly and understand what you say?
TIME: Call for an ambulance if you spot any one of these signs.
To learn more about stroke, visit the Irish Heart Foundation’s website here.
