Public health messages taken out on the road

Over the coming months 19 Emergency and PCS ambulances (non-emergency patient transport) across the Belfast and South Eastern areas will be used for carrying life-saving messages.

The PHA’s F.A.S.T campaign, which raises public awareness of the signs and symptoms of strokes and the actions to take if you think someone is having one, will be the first public health message carried on the ambulances.

The F.A.S.T campaign was launched in June 2011 to increase awareness of stroke symptoms in an easy to remember way – Face, Arms, Speech, Time to call 999, as research had shown that awareness of the signs and symptoms of strokes, and what action to take, was low among the general population.

Eddie Rooney, Chief Executive, PHA, said: “Strokes claim the lives of 1,300 people in Northern Ireland every year. It is the third most common cause of death and the greatest cause of adult disability. Each year there are 2,300 emergency admissions to hospital for stroke.

“Following the launch of the original campaign, the number of 999 calls about symptoms of a possible stroke have increased. It is hoped that by using ambulances to carry the F.A.S.T message, it will increase the number even further by reminding and reinforcing the importance of dialling 999 when stroke symptoms strike.”

Roisin O’Hara, Acting Chief Executive NIAS said “Ambulances cover over five million miles per year throughout Northern Ireland and are an ideal medium for raising awareness of health related messages aimed at improving the overall health and well being of our communities. NIAS is delighted to work in collaboration with the Public Health Agency to promote the F.A.S.T campaign.”

Health Minister Edwin Poots said: “The Public Health Agency and the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service are to be commended on this new initiative. It is a prime example of inter-agency collaboration within the health service sector.

“Raising public awareness of the early signs and symptoms of stroke is enormously important. Quick diagnoses and treatment for stroke saves lives and dramatically increases quality of life for many sufferers.”

This is the first time public health messages have been carried on Northern Ireland ambulances. The F.A.S.T campaign message will run for six months and will be used by NIAS and the PHA as a trial for future public health campaigns.