🚨Urgent Stroke Alert! 🚨 Thousands are risking serious harm by driving themselves to A&E instead of calling an ambulance. A new study has revealed that every 22 minutes, a stroke victim chooses to drive, potentially jeopardising their chance of the best treatment! 🚗❌
The Stroke Association is sounding the alarm: while waiting for an ambulance can be nerve-wracking, it’s still the BEST way to ensure you get the specialised care you need. Paramedics are equipped to whisk you off to the right facilities, ensuring immediate access to life-saving treatments like thrombectomy and rapid brain scans.
Why is this so crucial? A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is interrupted – and time lost is brain lost! Fast, expert treatment vastly improves the chance of survival and reduces long-term disability. 🚑
Here’s the scoop: In 2024/25, 26.8% of stroke sufferers made their own way to A&E. That’s over 23,000 people increasing their risk! Eek! 😲 Compare that to 19.4% in 2020/21, and you’ll see the numbers are steadily rising.
Prof. Deb Lowe, medical director of the Stroke Association, stresses the urgency: “Stroke is a medical emergency. Know the signs – facial drooping, arm weakness, slurred speech – and CALL 999 immediately.” Even with NHS pressures, waiting for an ambulance remains the fastest route to evidence-based care. ⏳
We understand concerns about ambulance waits, but remember, timely treatment could mean walking out of the hospital instead of facing severe disability. In July, ambulances reached category 2 calls in about 28 minutes. Plus, handover times are improving!
Let’s share this critical information and ensure stroke patients get the best chance for recovery. 🙌 Your quick action could save a life! #StrokeAwareness #Call999 #ActFAST