A new campaign by the NHS in England is urging individuals to call 999 immediately upon noticing the first signs of a stroke. Analysis from the past year reveals that the average time taken to make this emergency call was nearly 88 minutes.
England’s leading medical authority emphasizes that stroke symptoms may not always be obvious or dramatic, yet they are always a reason for swift action. Approximately 100,000 strokes occur annually in the UK, leading to over a third of affected individuals succumbing to related complications. This statistic makes strokes the fourth leading cause of death in the UK.
The most common symptoms include:
NHS England stresses that recognizing these signs in oneself or others and dialing 999 urgently is essential for receiving prompt, specialized treatment.
Recent polling by NHS England uncovered a misconception that two or three symptoms must be present before making an emergency call. Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS England’s medical director, stated:
“These figures highlight very clearly that we must do more to support people to recognize the symptoms of stroke in themselves and others, and take action to call 999 at the earliest opportunity."
He noted that stroke symptoms can often be less dramatic than expected but should always be treated as emergencies.
A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted. The consequences of delayed action can result in severe outcomes such as paralysis, memory loss, and communication difficulties. The NHS’s latest campaign features relatable scenarios: a man witnessing his partner struggle to smile, a decorator unable to lift a paint roller, and a grandmother having trouble reading to her grandchild.
Juliet Bouverie OBE, chief executive of the Stroke Association, emphasized:
“If you spot any of the three common signs of a stroke in someone, the first thing you should do is call 999. The quicker many stroke treatments are given, the better.”
Stories from families affected by strokes highlight both fear and resilience. For instance, Adam Pearce expresses his desire to walk his son to school again after his newborn daughter experienced a stroke. Meanwhile, Angharad Dennis reflects on how her experience has provided her with a new perspective on life.
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