London — Recognising the signs of a stroke and acting quickly can save lives, as highlighted by NHS England’s latest campaign. Aimed at raising awareness of stroke symptoms, the campaign emphasizes the importance of calling 999 at the first sign of a stroke.

Strokes, the fourth leading cause of death in the UK, claim 38,000 lives annually. However, new data reveals a concerning delay of nearly 90 minutes between the onset of symptoms and calling for emergency help. Common symptoms include difficulty smiling, inability to raise an arm, and slurred speech, all of which require immediate attention.

Dr Amir Khan, a renowned medic and advocate for the campaign, stresses the urgency:
“A stroke strikes every five minutes in the UK, and our community faces a higher risk at a younger age. Recognising symptoms and calling 999 without delay can be lifesaving and reduce long-term disability.”

The campaign also highlights the increased risk for people of South Asian backgrounds and those with conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes.

Real-life stories, like that of retired nurse Latika Patel, bring the campaign’s message to life. Latika experienced subtle symptoms such as slurred speech and difficulty smiling while visiting her daughter. Thanks to her daughter’s quick action in calling 999, Latika’s hemorrhagic stroke was treated in time, allowing her to recover.

Similarly, Niraj Shah, who had no prior knowledge of strokes, emphasizes the importance of quick action:
“If you spot anything that might be a stroke, call 999 immediately. Better safe than sorry.”

The message is clear: face, arm, or speech difficulty? Call 999 without hesitation.

For more information on recognising stroke symptoms, visit NHS Stroke Symptoms.