A stroke happens when the blood supply to the brain stops suddenly. After a few minutes without oxygen and food from your blood, your brain begins to suffer damage.
Prompt action can save lives and improve recovery. That's because Time is Brain – the sooner doctors can determine if a clot can be dissolved or removed, the less damage is done, and the better the chance of a strong recovery.
The FAST campaign encourages everyone to learn the key signs of stroke:
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We know FAST works, because we hear from New Zealanders who owe their recovery to someone recognising the signs of stroke and knowing what to do.
Patsy had a stroke in her apartment. Fortunately, retirement village staff and ambulance officer Steve recognised her symptoms, took action and got her to the hospital fast. Patsy was assessed and appropriate to receive clot retrieval treatment. She tells her incredible story in the video below showcasing the team work and advanced treatments available in the stroke service.
Waitemata DHB provides specialised acute stroke care at North Shore and Waitakere Hospital. Inpatient and community rehabilitation services are available for those requiring further support in their stroke recovery.
More information and resources about stroke can be found at:
