This week is National Stroke Week and the key message is awareness around FAST. So what is FAST?
It’s the acronym for identifying the signs of stroke, and last week in State Parliament, Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, met with the Stroke Foundation and the Stroke Association of Victoria about their push to educate the wider community.
In short, the acronym stands for:
F – Face: Is the person’s face drooping
A – Arms: Can they lift both arms
S – Speech: Is their speech slurred
T – Time: Stroke is always a medical emergency. Call 000 immediately.
Mr Bull said he was told facial weakness, arm weakness and difficulty with speech are the most common symptoms or signs of stroke, but they are not the only signs, which can include headache, dizziness, loss of balance or fall and difficulty swallowing.
“Sometimes the signs disappear within a short time. When this happens, it may be a transient ischaemic attack (TIA). After a TIA, your risk of stroke is higher and, given stroke can lead to death or disability, a TIA is a warning sign that should not be ignored.”
Mr Bull said if an ambulance has been called it is important to be aware of what to do and this included:
• If the person is conscious, lay them down on their side with their head slightly raised and supported.
• Do not give them anything to eat or drink.
• Loosen any restrictive clothing that could cause breathing difficulties.
• If weakness is obvious in any limb, support it and avoid pulling on it when moving the person.
• If they are unconscious, check their breathing and pulse and put them on their side. If they do not have a pulse or are not breathing, start CPR.
• If unsure how to perform CPR, the ambulance call taker will give instructions over the phone.
“These are all important messages that can help save a life,” he said.

Caption: Last week in State Parliament Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull joined with Liberal colleague Jess Wilson and Labor colleague Emma Vulin to meet with members of the Stroke Foundation and the Stroke Association of Victoria who are constantly raising awareness of FAST in the community. Part of the group was former MP Heidi Victoria (left), who since having a stroke herself has become a tireless advocate for the cause, Colin Scott (an East Gippslander) and Michael Maher. Michael has established his own website to assist professionals getting back to where they were, and has an inspirational story https://www.thedisabledceo.com/
Monday, 4 August 2025