June 10th- 14th 2013
Thank to all of you who have participated in our previous F.A.S.T campaigns. With your help, we have saved lives and prevented disability from stroke. This year, we are holding the annual Irish Heart Foundation F.A.S.T awareness week from 10th -14th June and yet again, we need your help.
One in five people will have a stroke at some time in their life. A stroke could happen to you, a friend or family member. So being able to recognise the signs of stroke and calling 999 if you suspect a stroke is crucial. According to research by the RCSI our F.A.S.T campaign increased awareness of stroke symptoms by 124%. Since the F.A.S.T campaign, the thrombolysis rate in Ireland has increased by 500%. We estimate that this is saving an extra 150 stroke patients a year from death or severe disability.
However, the gains made by the Act F.A.S.T. campaign to date could easily be lost. The RCSI research showed that in a matter of weeks after major bursts of campaign activity, stroke admission rates were falling back to normal levels. Unless we can maintain awareness after the end of the campaign at a level where people remain motivated to act F.A.S.T, then our efforts will have no long-term impact.
This year again, we are urging all F.A.S.T campaigners to spread the message during the week of June 10th -14th. We have F.A.S.T leaflets, wallet cards and posters which can be used for raising F.A.S.T awareness in your local community.
We would greatly appreciate any assistance you can offer in spreading the F.A.S.T message again this year.
Please call Emma-Jane on 01 6346925 or email emorrissey@irishheart.ie if you are able to take part, including details of your address and the number of posters, leaflets, and wallet cards you require. We also have a number of t-shirts available.
Download a PDF version of the F.A.S.T. poster here
