World Stroke Day 2025
HSE National Stroke Awareness Campaign
Every Second Counts
Background
- 1 in 4 of us will have a stroke in our lifetime
- Stroke is the leading cause of acquired adult neurological disability in Ireland
- Every year, around 7,500 people in Ireland have a stroke. About 90,000 people live with the effects of stroke
- A stroke occurs when there is an interruption to the blood flow to parts of the brain. This interruption can be considered in plumbing terms, a blocked pipe, i.e. an ischaemic stroke (85% of all strokes), or a burst pipe, i.e. a haemorrhagic stroke (15% of all strokes)
- The Irish National Audit of Stroke (INAS) found that, in 2014, 73% of Stroke patients reached hospital within the vital 4.5 hour window. By 2021, this figure had fallen to just 58%, reducing opportunities for timely, effective treatment
- The faster a patient gets to hospital, the faster assessment and treatment can be given
The Research
A significant amount of research informed the campaign. This included a review of the FAST campaign’s performance, quantitative and qualitative research with the general public, stroke survivors’ research and creative testing for the campaign
We learned that people:
- Recall FAST, but are hazy on the detail, with some thinking you needed every FAST symptom in order to act
- Are not confident in recognising the symptoms in real life
- Worry they will waste time, that they’re overreacting, or “making a fuss’
- Assume strokes only happen to‘older’ people
- Especially stroke survivors, know the important role of bystanders. Only about 18% of bystanders strongly agree that they would know what to do if someone was having a stroke
The Campaign
- Demonstrates how any life can change in a second
- Communicates that ‘The second you suspect a stroke is the second you dial 999 or 112’
- Showcases the behaviour that the second you suspect a stroke, is the second you dial 999 or 112
- Key FAST symptoms are reinforced across every audience touchpoint
World Stroke Day - October 29th
World Stroke Day - October 29th
Every Minute Counts
Background
Every minute, 30 people will experience their first stroke. Globally, 1 in 4 people will have a stroke in their lifetime.
Every minute during a stroke, 1.9 million brain cells die. Time is brain, but if we #ActFAST, we can increase the opportunity for effective stroke treatment, proven to save lives and reduce disability for stroke survivors.
Every minute saved by someone recognising the signs of stroke and calling for emergency medical help is critical. The person having a stroke could be you, me, or anyone, which is why public stroke awareness of symptoms and education on the impact our actions can have is essential.
On October 29th, World Stroke Day, we are asking you to be part of the global effort to raise awareness of stroke symptoms. Together we can help educate the public in our community, country and region, and your actions can help to turn up the volume on the global stroke conversation.
The Campaign
This year, the World Stroke Campaign will leverage the concept of time to raise awareness about the importance of recognising the signs of stroke and acting fast.
From the moment someone has a stroke, time is of the essence. That first hour – often called the “golden hour” – is critical. With each minute that passes without treatment, more brain cells are lost.
The faster the signs of stroke are recognised and the alert is raised, the sooner someone can get the treatment and care they need – increasing their chance of survival and a near or full recovery.
By using the concept of time to create a sense of urgency and sharing real-life stories of stroke survivors and “spotters”, we believe that our message can – and will – reach a wide and diverse audience.
Key Messages
Every minute counts.
Are you ready? Learn to spot the signs of stroke.
- When you spot the signs of stroke, you become the first link in a life-changing chain.
- Every two seconds someone has a stroke.
- It’s easy to spot the signs if you know what to look for: – Facial weakness – Arm weakness – Slurred speech
- If you see someone experiencing these signs, it’s Time to raise the alarm.
- Don’t delay. The faster you act the sooner someone gets the treatment they need.
Every minute counts.
Stroke acts fast. You should too.
Every minute a stroke goes untreated, millions of brain cells die.
- A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is suddenly blocked.
- Without blood, brain cells stop working and can die.
- The damage can affect a person’s ability to walk, move, speak, and manage everyday tasks.
- Fast and effective treatment can save brain cells and reduce the risk of longterm damage.
Every minute counts.
Your action today could change a life tomorrow.
Time isn’t just brain. It’s someone you love.
- Two in every three stroke survivors experience long-term complications or disabilities.
- Fast action on stroke can dramatically reduce the amount of damage caused.
- This increases the chances of a near or full recovery.
- Fast action doesn’t just save lives – it helps people live their best life.
