Stroke Foundation is urging all Australians to do their part this National Stroke Week by learning and sharing the F.A.S.T. signs of stroke so they know how to react if someone they love experiences a stroke.
F.A.S.T. highlights the three most common signs of stroke (Face drooping, Arm weakness, and Speech difficulty) while emphasising the importance of Time when it comes to recognising and treating a stroke.
The call to action comes after Stroke Foundation’s 2024 Economic Impact of Stroke Report found that a stroke occurs every 11 minutes in Australia.
In 2023, there were an estimated 45,785 strokes in Australia, and there were more than 440,000 Australians survivors of stroke of all ages living around the country. Stroke remains one of Australia’s leading causes of death and disability.
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Dr Lisa Murphy, says recognising the signs of stroke is more important than people may think.
‘When a stroke strikes, it attacks up to 1.9 million brain cells per minute so there’s absolutely no time to waste. You must act fast and call triple zero (000) for help.
‘The faster you can receive treatment for stroke, the more chance you have of surviving, with better outlook for recovery,’ said Dr Murphy.
‘This chain of survival starts with knowing the F.A.S.T. signs of stroke and calling the ambulance as soon as possible,’ she added.
‘There is a common misconception that stroke only happens to older Australians, but we know that stroke doesn’t discriminate. Stroke can occur in people of all ages. In fact, one in four strokes affect Aussies of working age.
‘This is why it is critically important for all Australians to learn and share the F.A.S.T. signs of stroke.’
Know the signs and you could save a life
National Stroke Week runs from 4–10 August 2025 and is Stroke Foundation’s annual campaign to raise awareness of stroke and its signs, while encouraging action that can save lives.
This year’s theme, ‘know the signs and you could save a life’, encourages Australians to learn the F.A.S.T. acronym:
- 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 000 straight away.
Stroke Week also raises critical funds to support stroke prevention, research, recovery programs and advocacy efforts.
To find out more or get involved, visit www.strokefoundation.org.au.
