The NHS has published a urgent warning “Call 999” if you detect any of the three symptoms in an effort to save lives. Health officials have made it clear that once a person has even one warning sign indicating a stroke, they need immediate medical attention.

Their plea comes as new data shows tens of thousands of people with strokes could be diagnosed and treated earlier.

According to the figures, the average time from the first symptoms of a stroke appearing to calling 999 was almost an hour and a half.

The appeal is the first major update to the health body’s ‘Act FAST’ campaign since 2009, asking the public to call 999 immediately if anyone experiences any of three common symptoms. These are :

• I have trouble smiling (face)
• I have trouble lifting an arm (arm)
• Mix their words (speech).

It comes as a new poll of 2,001 adults in England found 57 per cent of respondents thought you should have two to three stroke symptoms before calling 999, even if just one was a sign of a medical emergency. And almost two thirds of those surveyed (64%) said they would not call 999 as their first course of action if they noticed someone was suddenly struggling to smile.

England’s top doctor said immediate action at the first signs of a stroke ‘could help save and protect many more lives’. Professor Stephen Powis, national medical director of NHS England, commented: “These figures highlight very clearly that we need to do more to help people recognize the symptoms of stroke in themselves and others and to take steps to call 999 as soon as possible.

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“The symptoms of a stroke may be less obvious or less dramatic than you might expect, but even if it doesn’t seem like it, any sign of a stroke is still an emergency and is essential to call 999 immediately. This campaign is very important: greater awareness of the need to act quickly and dial 999 could help save and protect many more lives, as we know that recognition Earlier symptoms and immediate action to call 999 can enable faster access to specialist treatment and the best care. chance of reducing the long-term effects of a stroke.

Around 100,000 people suffer a stroke each year in the UK, which occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. Without prompt treatment, a stroke can lead to death or long-term disabilities such as paralysis, memory loss and communication problems.

Although more people than ever are surviving a stroke, stroke remains the fourth leading cause of death in the UK, with 38,000 stroke-related deaths each year. A stroke can occur at any age, but those most at risk include those aged over 50, people of black or South Asian descent, or those living with existing conditions such as hypertension blood pressure, diabetes or sickle cell disease.

Dr David Hargroves, NHS National Clinical Director for Stroke and Consultant Stroke Physician, said: “When someone has a stroke, it is estimated that they can lose around two millions of brain cells per minute, which is why prompt diagnosis and treatment is essential – the first sign of a stroke may not seem like much, but at the first sign, in the face, arm or speech, it is time to call 999.

“Thanks to better understanding of symptoms and advances in NHS care, more people than ever are surviving a stroke, but there is still more to be done to help save lives and reduce the long-term impact of stroke. strokes. Acting QUICKLY remains vital: whether it’s a friend, a loved one or even a passerby, dialing 999 quickly saves lives.

There are other signs that you or someone else is having a stroke. These include:

• Weakness or numbness on one side of your body
• Blurred vision or loss of sight in one or both eyes
• Having trouble speaking or thinking of words
• Confusion and memory loss
• Feeling dizzy or falling
• A violent headache.

The NHS adds: “Symptoms of a stroke can sometimes go away after a short time, so you may think everything is fine. Even if this happens, seek medical attention immediately.