SCOTS are being urged to learn the key symptoms of stroke and call 999 if any of these arise, as charities fear Covid might put off people seeking help.
Stroke survivors have joined Scottish charity Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland to remind people this Christmas to think FAST and seek urgent medical attention if they think they’re having a stroke.
When Andy Dobinson, from Uddingston, had a stroke in February 2017, it was his wife’s quick-thinking and knowledge of the FAST test that saved his life.
The FAST test involves a series of key symptoms of stroke and urges people to call 999 if any of the signs are present.
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While on a conference call in his home office, Andy Dobinson felt a sudden, searing pain in the back of his head.
After checking his symptoms online, he thought it sounded like vertigo, but when he went for a lie down, he couldn’t walk.
Instead he had to crawl upstairs where he lay until his wife Nicola came home.
When she turned on the light and Andy, then 42, didn’t react to the brightness she realised something was seriously wrong, prompting her to call paramedics.
Andy, now 46, said: “The room was spinning like I was drunk. The look on Nic’s face was pure shock. Luckily she had seen the FAST adverts and she told me to sit up and say ‘chicken soup’.
“I couldn’t. My speech was very slurred, and I drooled.
“I am forever thankful that Nic had heard about FAST and knew exactly what to do when she saw me lying on my bed like that.
“My recovery could have been so much worse if she hadn’t reacted so quickly and called 999.
“It’s so important to me to highlight the FAST message and share my story because if I can help just one person who has had a stroke, it will all be worth it.”
Last year, over 12,780 people presented to the Scottish Ambulance Service with stroke symptoms.
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Amid the unprecedented surge in Covid-19 cases and increased pressures on hospitals, the charity is concerned that people may put off going to the A&E.
Last year’s figures show a drop in the numbers of hospital admissions due to stroke at the same time as spikes in Covid cases, raising fears that people may have missed out on vital treatment.
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland is urging people to act FAST and call 999 as soon as they experience symptoms.
Jane-Claire Judson, chief executive at Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, said: “Stroke doesn’t stop because of Christmas or the pandemic; it can happen at any time and anywhere.
“By the end of today, 25 people across Scotland will have suffered a stroke, the same will happen tomorrow.
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“We know the NHS is under pressure right now, but it’s vital that people don’t forget that a stroke is a medical emergency. NHS stroke staff are on-hand to help you and save people’s lives.
“It is important that people are aware of the signs and symptoms of stroke and phone 999 immediately if someone needs urgent medical attention.
“By getting help quickly, it not only increases people’s chance of survival but can help reduce disability.
“These symptoms aren’t something for deliberation, if you see these signs, act FAST and save a life.”
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