Just like we know “Slip, Slop, Slap” or “Drop, Cover, Hold”, more New Zealanders need to know about the F.A.S.T. message
in identifying strokes.
F stands for face drooping, A for arm weakness, S for speech difficulty and T for take action. If any of the three signs
of stroke or a combination of them are noticed, then 111 should be dialled immediately.
The Stroke Foundation of NZ is marking World Stroke Day on Saturday, 29 October, by reminding people that when it comes
to stroke, minutes can save lives.
“More than 9,500 strokes are occurring each year, and it is no longer an issue just affecting older people,” says Jo
Lambert, Chief Executive of the Stroke Foundation.
"We encourage people to think about F.A.S.T., as that knowledge could help them save the life of someone they know," she
added.
To spread the F.A.S.T. message, the Foundation is sharing four distinct stories of New Zealanders from diverse
backgrounds.Pete Cronshaw
Journalist and TV Producer, Pete Cronshaw, was heading on a walk with his 19-year-old daughter when his speech suddenly
started slurring and his face started drooping. Although his symptoms quickly faded, Pete’s daughter took him to the
emergency room when he experienced the same symptoms a few hours later.
“Common sense goes out the window when your brain is under attack. I knew the warning signs. I knew something was
seriously wrong and suspected I was having a stroke. Still, I went into denial! You can’t rely on your own training and
knowledge. My daughter did everything right. It is the people around you that will ultimately save your life when you
suffer a stroke.”
Pete had suffered two Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs). TIAs are often referred to as mini-strokes and don’t normally
result in permanent damage. Pete was discharged and cleared to head home. Less than 24 hours later, he experienced a
devastating stroke while he was asleep, which affected his speech for a few months.Margaret Broughton
It was the week before Christmas 2020, and Margaret Broughton was combing her granddaughter Katya's hair when they both
became aware that Margaret's speech had started to slur. Alarmed, she tried to stand up, lost her balance and fell to
the floor.
4-year-old Katya knew something wasn’t right with her Māmā Margaret and ran to her Pāpā, Nga, for help. Nga found
Margaret lying unresponsive on the floor, and although he wasn’t aware that she was having a stroke, he called an
ambulance.
Thanks to Katya and Nga’s quick actions and fast access to treatment, Margaret has had a positive outcome for her
stroke. In 1999, Margaret’s sister Tina passed away from a stroke at the young age of 38.Hannah Paterson
Hannah Paterson was only 31 years old when she experienced a stroke on August 1, earlier this year. A primary school
teacher and artist, Hannah experienced her stroke while she was leading a reading group in her classroom.
"I was sitting on the floor with a group of kids when I felt the walls closing in and sensed my sound become warped like
I was plunged underwater. I knew something was really wrong when I looked down and saw my left hand resting on my chest
but could not feel it," Hannah reveals.
"I experienced all three of the F.A.S.T. signs (face drooping, arm weakness and speech difficulty) but there was a short
delay before we called 111. Knowing what I know now, I would call immediately," Hannah reflects.Lauano Akeli
In January 2022, Lauano Akeli experienced a stroke at home as he was making himself a cup of tea. The symptoms came on
suddenly – he experienced sudden weakness in his arm when trying to pick up his mug.
“I went to go stand up, lifted the cup and it fell. I tried holding the cup, lifting it again and it fell again. I put
the cup down and tried to lift my leg and it wouldn’t move,” Lauano remembers.
Lauano Akeli’s wife Telesia was frightened when she saw his face and eyes drooping. Instead of calling an ambulance,
however, the family tried to use the traditional method of healing (Samoan fofo).
Because of the unfortunate delay in seeking medical attention, the damage caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain for
that extent of time has affected Lauano’s recovery. The family is looking to raise awareness and encourage other Pacific
peoples to learn the key signs of a stroke, how to act F.A.S.T and how to reduce the risks.While stroke is the leading cause of disability and the second-biggest single cause of death in New Zealand for all
adults, indigenous, and ethnic minority groups are disproportionately impacted.Ultimately, 75% of all strokes are preventable and high blood pressure is the leading risk factor for stroke, that is
modifiable.According to the latest population statistics, there could be more than 1 million New Zealanders living with high blood
pressure.About the Stroke Foundation of New Zealand:
The Stroke Foundation is a national charity in New Zealand focused on the prevention of and recovery from stroke. For
over 40 years we have actively promoted ways to avoid stroke and dedicated ourselves to working closely with stroke
survivors across the country. The generosity of New Zealanders enables us to help thousands of stroke survivors every
year; providing them with critical services to ensure the best possible outcomes – not just for themselves, but also
their family/whānau and carers too. To find out more about the Stroke Foundation, go to www.stroke.org.nz