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Almost full recovery for stroke victim thanks to TV advertising campaign
A DONCASTER man has told how a TV advert may have saved his life by helping him realise he was having a stroke.
Chris Bowes, aged 64, of Thorne, realised something was wrong when he hit his hand on a table and didn't feel anything.
He remembered from the television FAST campaign that numbness in the arms is one of the symptoms of having a stroke.
His wife Wendy was able to phone for an ambulance immediately, which arrived within minutes and rushed Mr Bowes to Doncaster Royal Infirmary. Because of their rapid reaction he has made a near-full recovery.
The campaign, run locally by NHS Doncaster, informs the public about FAST - Face, Arm, Speech, Time to call 999. FAST is a simple test to help people recognise the signs of stroke and understand the importance of fast emergency treatment.
The TV adverts show stroke spreading like fire in the brain to highlight how quick emergency action can limit damage and dramatically increase a person's chances of surviving and avoiding long-term disability.
Retired science and design technology teacher Mr Bowes was in his workshop making a toy for his three-month old granddaughter, Neve, when he recognised the symptoms.
He said: "I was very lucky. Had I not known what the symptoms were and acted quickly, and if it wasn't for the fast response of the ambulance service, things could have been a lot worse for me. The early recognition of the symptoms may have even saved my life."
Helen Tuck, Service Improvement Manager Public Health at NHS Doncaster, said: "The fast reaction of Mr Bowes and his wife saved him precious minutes and potentially saved his life.
"We are pleased the FAST campaign is raising awareness about the dangers of stroke. Patients tell us the campaign's simple steps have helped them to get treated quicker and better.
"Strokes are the brain equivalent of a heart attack. Unfortunately, there are still misconceptions that they only affect elderly people and that nothing much can be done, which is not the case. The increased use of thrombolysis and the development of acute stroke units have greatly improved stroke services. However, patients must get to hospital as quickly as possible."
Mr Bowes will attend the Doncaster Stroke Support Group as part of his rehabilitation. The group meets on the first Monday of every month between 1pm and 3pm at The Glasshouse pub on Doncaster Road, Kirk Sandall.
The self-supporting group works closely with NHS Doncaster to provide a place to meet, discuss issues and provide support for stroke victims and their families. For more information email Gerald Bates at geraldbates@btinernet.com or call him on 07719 383 636.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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