In a vital push to improve stroke survival rates, Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS), in partnership with the Scottish Ambulance Service, has launched a powerful new public awareness campaign.
The campaign centres on the F.A.S.T. test, a quick and memorable way to identify three of the most common stroke symptoms: Face drooping, Arm weakness, and Speech difficulty, with the final “T” urging immediate action—Time to call 999.
Strokes remain a significant health concern across Scotland, affecting nearly 11,000 people annually, with 645 people in the Highlands experiencing a stroke last year alone.
This new campaign seeks to save lives and prevent disability by ensuring the public recognises these symptoms instantly and knows to contact emergency services without delay.
Alarming research commissioned by CHSS revealed that nearly 40% of Scots, especially younger adults, are unfamiliar with the F.A.S.T. signs, meaning too many are missing these critical early warning signals.
The urgency of this campaign is backed by recent statistics showing that only 47% of young adults aged 18–24 were aware of F.A.S.T., compared to significantly higher awareness among those aged 55 and older.
Jane-Claire Judson, Chief Executive of CHSS, stressed the importance of the campaign, saying:
“Stroke affects thousands of Scots each year, often bringing life-altering consequences.
“Through F.A.S.T., we aim to empower people to take quick action, helping save lives and minimise the impact of stroke on families across Scotland.”
Highlighting the Scottish Ambulance Service’s role, Chief Executive Michael Dickson explained that every second counts, and F.A.S.T. recognition by the public could reduce response times and maximise the effectiveness of emergency crews.
“Acting fast could mean all the difference in outcomes,” he said, encouraging people to secure their homes for ambulance access and share essential information about a patient’s condition to facilitate rapid transport to hospital.
The F.A.S.T. campaign has rolled out with TV adverts, social media, and outdoor ads developed with Edinburgh-based The Lane Agency.
CHSS is also offering free resources to health boards to further promote F.A.S.T., ensuring the message reaches the Highlands and beyond.
To view the new F.A.S.T. advert or learn more, visit www.chss.org.uk/fast
