F.A.S.T. stories

F.A.S.T. action can save lives and reduce the disability a person might have after their stroke.

Paddy Clancy's story

Journalist and broadcaster, Paddy Clancy, believes his life was saved by getting to hospital quickly when his wife realised he was having a stroke.

"I wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for my wife recognising my stroke. I was travelling on a bus and from the other end of the phone my wife immediately knew I was having a stroke because of my troubled speech. Without hesitation she called an ambulance to intercept the bus and bring me to hospital, even though I insisted I didn't need one. For once, I am glad she ignored me. It could have been a very different outcome for me if she hadn't insisted on calling the emergency services".

Listen to Paddy speak about his experience.

Read Paddy telling his story to the Irish Times.

Anne-Marie from Sligo sent us this email about the F.A.S.T. ad

"My Dad had a mini-stroke this morning and thankfully he was very aware that something was happening to him and luckily my Brother was in the house. They got to the hospital straight away. Dad is in the hospital for the weekend as they want to keep an eye on him. All the signs of the stroke disappeared in an hour and Dad is in fine form now.
 
This evening, while we were sitting in the Family Room at the Hospital I asked my Brother why he acted so fast and I how he knew about all the signs. He said it was your advert on TV. We decided that we had to e-mail you and say well done and thanks. A media campaign that is useful, quite rare".

Man saved after girlfriend saw F.A.S.T. TV ad

In the UK, a man's life was saved by his girlfriend who had seen the F.A.S.T. ads on TV and realised he was having a stroke. 

Read their story in The Shropshire Star.

Tell us your stroke story

Doctors have been telling us that larger numbers of patients are getting to hospital quickly after seeing the F.A.S.T. ads.

If you, or someone you know, has recognised the signs of stroke by using F.A.S.T. please contact us at advocacy@irishheart.ie to tell us your story.