A simple test could save your life, experts say during Stroke Month

Kingston stroke specialist urges people to recognize symptoms and call 911 immediately.

Health experts are urging Ontarians to learn the warning signs of stroke after new research from Heart & Stroke found the province has some of the lowest levels of stroke awareness in Canada.

June is Stroke Month, and Dr. Albert Jin, a stroke neurologist at Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) and Ontario’s provincial stroke lead, says recognizing symptoms quickly can make a major difference in recovery.

He says the signs of stroke can be remembered using the acronym FAST.

Jin says people should call 911 immediately rather than wait to see if symptoms improve or attempt to drive themselves to hospital. He notes that “time is brain,” meaning delays in treatment can result in permanent brain damage and disability. He says strokes are becoming more common.

KHSC has become one of Canada’s top-performing stroke centres. The provincial target for door-to-needle time — the period between a patient’s arrival at the emergency department and receiving clot-busting medication — is 30 minutes. This year, KHSC has achieved a 20-minute standard.

Experts say faster recognition and faster treatment can help save brain function and improve patient outcomes.

Story by Alyssa Brush