One stroke sign is enough to call 999, PHA urges as 3,000 admitted each year
Saturday 31 October 2026
Recognising just one sign of a stroke and calling 999 immediately could save a life and reduce lasting disability, the Public Health Agency (PHA) has urged.
Around 3,000 people are admitted to hospital in Northern Ireland each year as a result of a stroke, according to the agency. Its advice, issued to mark World Stroke Day on Thursday 29 October, highlights both how to reduce the risk and when to seek emergency help.
Although most strokes occur in people over 65, the PHA says one in four occurs in someone under that age.
Recognise the signs and act FAST
The FAST reminder helps people recognise key warning signs and take action. Any single one of these signs is enough to call 999:
• Face – Has their face fallen on one side? Can they smile?
• Arms – Can they raise both arms and keep them there?
• Speech – Is their speech slurred?
• Time – Time to call 999 if you see any single one of these signs.
Dr Louise Herron, Deputy Director of Public Health at the PHA, said:
“However, if the worst does happen and someone has a stroke, knowing the signs and symptoms and acting FAST can improve the chances of survival and reduce the level of disability that results from a stroke.”
Stroke can strike at any age
Dr Herron explained:
“Stroke is an attack on the brain. It happens when the blood supply to a part of the brain is cut off and brain cells are damaged or die. Stroke is a common cause of death and disability in Northern Ireland. While the majority of strokes occur in people over the age of 65, it can strike at any age, with 25% occurring in people under the age of 65.”
The agency is encouraging people to understand their own risk factors and take steps to manage them, alongside knowing how to recognise a stroke in someone else.
Steps to reduce your risk
The PHA advises that people can reduce their risk of having a stroke by:
• Knowing and managing personal risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat) and high blood cholesterol.
• Exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight.
• Reducing alcohol consumption.
• Stopping smoking.
Further information about strokes is available at www.nidirect.gov.uk/conditions/strokes
For anyone witnessing a suspected stroke, the immediate priority is to get an ambulance. Dr Herron said:
“A stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention, so recognising any sign of stroke and calling 999 for an ambulance is crucial. The sooner somebody who is having a stroke gets urgent medical attention, the better their chances of a good recovery,”
