Act FAST, never delay - stroke advice
Patients are arriving too late at hospital to receive the most promising treatment after a stroke, a Hywel Dda doctor has warned.
Only 43% of patients who suffered a stroke in Carmarthenshire in 2012 got to a hospital in time to benefit from thrombolysis.
Only 43% of patients who suffered a stroke in Carmarthenshire in 2012 got to a hospital in time to benefit from thrombolysis.
Available 24/7 at Glangwili and Prince Philip Hospitals, thrombolysis treatment is only effective within 4.5hrs of having a stroke.
Dr Granville Morris, Consultant Physician at Prince Philip Hospital, said: “Patients with an acute stroke are not accessing the emergency help available to them quick enough and are losing out on the clot buster treatment.
“If someone appears to have a stroke according to the FAST protocol, Face droop, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty and Time to call 999, then please call an ambulance immediately.”
A delay in getting help can reduce the chances of a full recovery, long-term disabilities or even death. Think FAST, never delay.
Dr Granville Morris, Consultant Physician at Prince Philip Hospital, said: “Patients with an acute stroke are not accessing the emergency help available to them quick enough and are losing out on the clot buster treatment.
“If someone appears to have a stroke according to the FAST protocol, Face droop, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty and Time to call 999, then please call an ambulance immediately.”
A delay in getting help can reduce the chances of a full recovery, long-term disabilities or even death. Think FAST, never delay.
Comments