Nowra resident, Kim Wormleaton, 49, has been reunited with the paramedics who helped save her life as part of National Stroke Week celebrations in Nowra.
In June 2017, Kim was struck down by a stroke while at home with husband Ian. The combined quick actions of Ian, paramedics and hospital staff meant Kim was transported to Sydney and given clot retrieval treatment.
"Every day I am grateful my F.A.S.T. stroke symptoms were recognised, and I was treated quickly,'' Kim said.
"I am standing here, able to say to say thank you to my husband, the paramedics and hospital teams who treated me when the outcome could have been so different."
Using the F.A.S.T. test involves asking these simple 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 is critical. If you see any of these signs call triple zero (000) straight away.
Stroke is one of Australia's biggest killers and a leading cause of disability. It occurs when blood supply to the brain is disrupted, either by a blocked blood vessel or a leaking blood vessel. Treatments can stop this damage, but they must be delivered quickly.
Stroke Foundation New South Wales State Manager Rhian Paton-Kelly said the key to Kim receiving treatment, was Ian recognised the signs of stroke and called triple zero (000) immediately.
"The more people who know the F.A.S.T. signs of stroke message and to call an ambulance at the first sign, the better,'' Ms Paton-Kelly said.
Shoalhaven District Memorial Hospital Clinical Nurse Consultant Donna Jay has echoed this sentiment.
"Please share this important message with your friends, family and colleagues this Stroke Week – the life you save may be your own."
National Stroke Week is the Stroke Foundation's annual stroke awareness campaign. Thousands of activities will be held right around the country, including information stalls, morning teas, talks from stroke survivors, health checks, personal or team challenges and fundraising events.
More on National Stroke Week here.
