Stroke, fast heroes teaches children to recognize the symptoms

NoIn our country, between 100 thousand and 120 thousand people are affected by a brain stroke. The average age of people affected by a stroke is around 70 years and up to 50% of them are grandparents. From this fact the idea of ​​rendering was born aware the grandchildren of these grandparents about the symptoms of stroke. That’s what the program does FAST Heroes. Developed by the University of Thessaloniki with the participation of the Angels Initiative, it is supported by the World Stroke Organization. Through fun, interactive and “superhero” themed activities, he has created real chains of awareness made by children all over the world.

FAST Heroes, the grandfather-saving program that teaches children to recognize strokes

FAST Heroes celebrates an extraordinary milestone today: a million children aged 5 to 10 have become real superheroes for their families, learning to recognize the signs of stroke and the importance of calling emergency services immediately. Supported by the World Stroke Organization, it is real field training, which takes place in primary and secondary schools with dedicated campaigns. Children are then encouraged to pass this potentially life-saving knowledge on to their loved ones at home.

Since its inception, the program has been implemented in approximately 30 countries and is supported by ministries of health and education, stroke associations and thousands of schools. With 1 in 4 people will experience a stroke in their lifetime, and with stroke remaining a leading cause of death and disability globally, this form of education has never been more important.

Recognizing the symptoms and calling for help immediately makes the difference

Italy made a fundamental contribution to this success. In the last year alone, more than 15,000 children participated in the program in more than 300 schools. In our country every year there are 200 thousand cases of stroke, i.e. an alteration of the arteries that carry blood to the brain: only 23 percent of those affected realize what is happening and only 11 percent are able to call an ambulance. But timeliness is essential not only to avoid mortality but also to reduce the degree of disability which, if help is delayed, can be very high.

A sudden paresis of an arm or a leg, deviation of the mouth and the inability to speak and understand. The suddenly doubled images, the obstructed lateral field, a serious balance disorder: these are the symptoms that require prompt intervention.

Children are messengers of knowledge about stroke

Symptoms for which it is necessary to immediately call 112 to transport the person urgently to hospital, possibly to the centers organized for stroke emergencies, i.e. the neurovascular units called Stroke Centers or Stroke Units. «Quickness in recognizing symptoms can make the difference», explains Andrea Vianello, President of ALICe. Italia Odv (Association for the Fight against Cerebral Stroke). «The fact that the little ones become messengers of this knowledge in their families is extraordinary. FAST Heroes demonstrates that even a simple gesture, such as a timely call for help, can save a life.”