Every five minutes, someone in the UK suffers a stroke – but new research from King's College London reveals that many people are still missing the critical warning signs that could save lives and prevent devastating disability.
The findings have prompted the NHS to launch a major new awareness campaign, built around the familiar FAST test that could mean the difference between recovery and permanent damage. FAST stands for Face (has their face fallen on one side?), Arms (can they raise both arms and keep them there?), Speech (is their speech slurred?), and Time (time to call 999 if you see any of these signs).
Strokes affect hundreds of thousands of people across Britain each year, often leaving survivors with paralysis, speech difficulties, or cognitive problems that profoundly impact both patients and their families. However, when medical teams can intervene within the crucial first hour – known as the 'golden hour' – they can often restore blood flow to the brain and dramatically limit the damage.
The King's College London research team analysed existing stroke data and identified troubling gaps in public knowledge. Their findings show that many people still arrive at hospital too late for the most effective treatments, often because they don't recognise less obvious symptoms or underestimate how serious early warning signs can be.
This delay has significant implications for the NHS. When patients reach hospital within the treatment window, doctors can offer time-sensitive interventions like thrombolysis (clot-busting medication) or thrombectomy (surgical clot removal). These treatments can transform outcomes, helping patients avoid the long-term disabilities that place considerable strain on rehabilitation services whilst allowing people to return to independent lives.
The NHS message remains clear: if you suspect someone is having a stroke, call 999 immediately. Don't wait to see if symptoms improve – every minute matters. For non-emergency health concerns, contact your GP or call NHS 111 for advice.
Source: King's College London