At 24-years-old, West Melbourne man Ernesto Diaz felt like he had the world ahead of him. A self-described party boy, Ernesto was at a Valentine's Day event the night a stroke nearly claimed his life in 2007.
Ernesto underwent a 13-hour lifesaving operation and spent a further two weeks in intensive care after his stroke.
"Back then, I did feel like a little bit untouchable. I was smoking and drinking at the time, and I'm sure that caused the stroke," Ernesto said.
"I'm grateful the stroke happened when I was around people. I had weakness in my right arm, a facial droop and slurred speech. If I was alone when I experienced these symptoms, I don't believe I would still be here today."
Ernesto is now 43 and feels healthier than he has ever been. This Valentine's Day, he'll be spending it alongside his fiancé, and his four-year-old son.
"I want to make sure I can keep up with my little one and be here for his future. I'm so grateful to be alive today," Ernesto said.
"I know I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for Dr Laidlaw and the team at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. I like to think they've given me a whole new life and an extra 20 years with my family."
Ernesto credits the quick thinking of his friends and family, and their recognition of the F.A.S.T. message for saving his life and getting him to hospital quickly.
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Dr Lisa Murphy said around 80 per cent of strokes can be prevented.
"If you're a smoker, you're twice as likely to experience a stroke, and the more you smoke, the greater your risk of stroke," Dr Murphy said.
"When a stroke strikes, it kills up to 1.9 million brain cells per minute. A stroke is always a medical emergency. The longer a stroke remains untreated, the greater the chance of stroke-related brain damage."
You can help saving a life by learning the F.A.S.T. signs of stroke.
Think F.A.S.T and ask these questions:
Face - Check their face. Has their mouth drooped?
Arms - Can they lift both arms?
Speech - Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?
Time - Time is critical. If you see any of these signs, call straight away.
