29/10/2025
PHA Urges Public To 'Think FAST' On World Stroke Day
Marking World Stroke Day (Wednesday, 29 October 2025) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is issuing an urgent reminder for the public to 'think FAST' if they suspect someone is having a stroke.
Dr Joanne McClean, Director of Public Health at the PHA, described a stroke as an "attack on the brain", which happens when the blood supply to a part of the brain is cut off and brain cells are damaged or die. She highlighted that approximately 2,800 new strokes occur in Northern Ireland every year. While the majority affect people over 65, 25% occur in people under that age.
"Stroke is still one of the biggest causes of death and disability in Northern Ireland," Dr McClean said. "It is essential that we recognise the signs of stroke and take appropriate action FAST."
Knowing the Signs: FAST
The PHA's FAST campaign provides an easy-to-remember guide to recognising the signs and symptoms of a stroke:
• Face – Has their face fallen on one side? Can they smile?
• Arms – Can they raise both arms and keep them there?
• Speech – Is their speech slurred?
• Time – Time to call 999 if you see any single one of these signs.
Dr McClean stressed that a stroke is a medical emergency requiring immediate medical attention, and the sooner a person receives urgent help, the better their chances of survival and recovery.
Reducing Personal Risk
The PHA is also reminding people of the actions they can take to reduce the chance of having a stroke:
• Manage Risk Factors: Know and manage high blood pressure, diabetes, atrial fibrillation (irregular heart beat), and high blood cholesterol.
• Lifestyle: Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight.
• Consumption: Reduce alcohol consumption and stop smoking.
Dr Joanne McClean, Director of Public Health at the PHA, described a stroke as an "attack on the brain", which happens when the blood supply to a part of the brain is cut off and brain cells are damaged or die. She highlighted that approximately 2,800 new strokes occur in Northern Ireland every year. While the majority affect people over 65, 25% occur in people under that age.
"Stroke is still one of the biggest causes of death and disability in Northern Ireland," Dr McClean said. "It is essential that we recognise the signs of stroke and take appropriate action FAST."
Knowing the Signs: FAST
• Face – Has their face fallen on one side? Can they smile?
• Arms – Can they raise both arms and keep them there?
• Speech – Is their speech slurred?
• Time – Time to call 999 if you see any single one of these signs.
Dr McClean stressed that a stroke is a medical emergency requiring immediate medical attention, and the sooner a person receives urgent help, the better their chances of survival and recovery.
Reducing Personal Risk
The PHA is also reminding people of the actions they can take to reduce the chance of having a stroke:
• Manage Risk Factors: Know and manage high blood pressure, diabetes, atrial fibrillation (irregular heart beat), and high blood cholesterol.
• Lifestyle: Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight.
• Consumption: Reduce alcohol consumption and stop smoking.
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