There were 27,428 Australians who experienced stroke for the first time in their lives in 2020, which equates to one stroke every 19 minutes. Each year in Australia approximately 50,000 people will suffer a stroke. 

A brief story from the Australian Stroke Alliance

“If you saw me, you’d never know that I’ve had a stroke”.

It has been six years since Kate, 40, experienced a stroke in regional Victoria.  The treatment she received in the precious hours that followed demonstrates how fortunate Kate was to be close to brain scanning and that a helicopter was available to fly her to a major tertiary hospital.

A radiographer at Hamilton Base Hospital, Kate had been at work when she received a call to pick up her son from daycare. On arrival, Kate collapsed and was unable to use her right side or talk. She was conscious though and understood all that was going on.

The day care staff called triple zero immediately and Kate was taken back to her workplace. Stroke protocols kicked in and Kate was taken straight for a CT brain scan. Local doctors spoke to a stroke specialist in Melbourne who had seen her brain scans via telehealth. The decision was made to helicopter Kate to Melbourne.

The stroke happened at 9:30am and Kate arrived in a Melbourne hospital at 2:10pm. She was wheeled into the room and intubated before the clots were removed surgically. At 5:30pm Kate woke up and could speak and move again. She spent three nights in hospital before going home.

Her recovery has been remarkable, so much so that she describes herself as being “absolutely fine”.  However, she realises she how lucky she was to receive co-ordinated, urgent pre-hospital care. This fast response and urgent treatment made a lifelong difference. 

A feeling of gratitude has inspired Kate to contribute to the Australian Stroke Alliance’s Consumer Council.

Stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when the blood supply to your brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients.  This can  cause brain cells to die, leading to permanent disability or death.  It’s crucial to recognize the signs of a stroke and act quickly.  

Stroke is a serious health condition affecting thousands of Australians each year. It’s crucial to recognize the signs, act quickly, and understand the impact of this disease.

The Shocking Reality of Stroke

• Prevalence: There were 27,428 Australians who experienced stroke for the first time in their lives in 2020, which equates to one stroke every 19 minutes. 
• Global Impact: One in four people globally will have a stroke in their lifetime.
• Living with Stroke: More than 445,087 Australians are living with the effects of stroke.
• Mortality: Stroke is one of Australia’s biggest killers. It kills more women than breast cancer and more men than prostate cancer.
• Economic Burden: In 2020, the estimated cost of stroke in Australia was $6.2 billion in direct financial impact, and a further $26.0 billion in mortality and lost wellbeing.

Who’s at Risk?

• Preventability: More than 80 percent of strokes can be prevented.
• Young Stroke Survivors: In 2020, 6,535 (24 percent of total) first-ever strokes occurred in people aged 54 years and under.
• Regional Disparity: Regional Australians are 17 percent more likely to suffer a stroke than those in metropolitan areas.

The Urgent Need for Action

• Time is Critical: When a stroke strikes, it attacks up to 1.9 million brain cells per minute.
• Growing Crisis: Without action by 2050 it is predicted that the number of first-ever strokes experienced by Australians annually will increase to 50,600, or one stroke every 10 minutes, and there will be 819,900 survivors of stroke living in the community.

Recognising the Signs of a Stroke

Remember the acronym FAST to help identify potential stroke symptoms:

• Face: Does one side of the face droop?
• Arms: Can the person raise both arms?
• Speech: Is their speech slurred or difficult to understand?
• Time: Time is critical. If you observe any of these signs, call emergency services immediately.

Other potential stroke symptoms include:

• Sudden severe headache
• Confusion or trouble understanding
• Sudden trouble seeing
• Sudden difficulty walking, dizziness, loss of balance
• Numbness or weakness in one side of the body

What to Do if You Suspect a Stroke

Time is of the essence. If you suspect someone is having a stroke, call emergency services immediately. Don’t hesitate. Every minute counts.

While waiting for help to arrive, it’s important to:

• Stay calm and reassure the person.
• Monitor their condition and note the time when symptoms started.
• Help the person lie down with their head slightly elevated.
• Loosen any restrictive clothing that could cause breathing difficulties.
• Avoid pulling or straining any weakened limbs.
• If the person is unconscious, check for breathing and pulse. If they are not breathing or have no pulse, start CPR immediately.

Do not give the person anything to eat or drink. Stroke can cause difficulty with muscle control, including the ability to swallow.  

Treatment for Stroke

Treatment for stroke depends on the type of stroke and its severity. The sooner treatment begins, the better the chances of recovery.

• Medications: Certain medications can help dissolve blood clots and restore blood flow to the brain.
• Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove a blood clot or repair damaged blood vessels.
• Rehabilitation: After a stroke, rehabilitation is essential to help survivors regain lost abilities and improve their quality of life.

Preventing Stroke

While not all strokes can be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:

• Manage blood pressure: High blood pressure is a major risk factor for stroke.
• Control cholesterol: High cholesterol can contribute to the buildup of plaque in arteries.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese increases stroke risk.
• Exercise regularly: Physical activity helps lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
• Eat a healthy diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.
• Don’t smoke: Smoking damages blood vessels and increases the risk of blood clots.
• Limit alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol intake can raise blood pressure.

By understanding the signs of stroke and taking steps to prevent it, you can help save lives.

Disclaimer: This information is intended for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any medical concerns.

By Scott Brown

If you would like more information about this topic or any others, purchase any First Aid stock or equipment, or to book a Remote Area First Aid course, please contact us on 0491 057 339 or email info@ruralandremotefirstaid.com.au

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For over 23 years Scott Brown has been training Remote Area First Aid across Australia. Having first joined Rural Ambulance Victoria in 2001 and working in the high-country in Victoria, he began teaching First Aid for Rural Ambulance Victoria. 23 years on, he works with some of Australia’s largest pastoral corporations and property managers that combined manage over 200,000 square kms of the Australian landscape.
Known for conveying detailed First Aid information in a relatable and relaxed way, Scott’s courses have become popular with Agricultural Property Managers, overseers and ringers alike. The highly practical course content ensures relevance to actual situations that are possible to encounter on a working property.
Scott continues to work with Ambulance Victoria alongside his First Aid training. 
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