Fast action saves lives

Would you realise if someone near you was having a stroke?

A recent survey of adults living in East Sussex found that 25% couldn't name any of the symptoms '“ with potentially lethal implications.

East Sussex County Council has reviewed of the county's stroke care services and guidelines to help the public recognise sympoms as fast action will save lives.

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FAST is a simple test to help us recognise the signs of a stroke:

'¢ 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: If a person fails any one of these tests, you must call 999. Stroke is a medical emergency and by calling 999 you can help someone receive the early treatment they need to improve their chances of recovery.

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Although most people affected by stroke are over the age of 65, anyone can have a stroke, including children and even babies.

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is suddenly cut off or reduced. Without the nutrients and oxygen that the blood carries, brain cells quickly become damaged or die. As the brain controls everything we do '“ like being able to move, speak, understand, remember, see and hear '“ this damage can result in disability and death.

The East Sussex Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (HOSC) has spent the past six months investigating peoples' experience of stroke care in East Sussex. From this, and the perspectives of health and social care professionals working in the field, HOSC has been able to appraise the services currently available in East Sussex and examine where improvements are needed.

A full copy of the HOSC report is available online from www.eastsussexhealth.org