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Auckland, March 27, 2021
Tens of thousands of Primary School students in Aotearoa will soon learn how to recognise the signs of a stroke and act quickly through the ASB St John in Schools Programme.
The initiative has been made possible with support from Health Promotion Agency and the Stroke Foundation of New Zealand, who are funding and supporting the development of new resources, enabling St John’s community educators to teach Tamariki the FAST campaign.
About Stroke and FAST
The acronym denotes Facial Weakness, Arm Weakness, Speech Problems and Time to call 111. The lessons will be delivered to 140,000 Tamariki over two years (2021 – 2022).
More than 11,000 strokes are experienced each year according to Stroke Foundation New Zealand, which is pleased that the key messages will be rolled out in schools.
Stroke Foundation New Zealand Chief Executive Mark Vivian said that delayed recognition of a stroke means delayed intervention, which can have tragic consequences.
“The FAST acronym identifies about 90% of strokes, and as the majority of strokes are dependent on someone else noticing the onset, we are thrilled that St John is helping to extend the reach of our national campaign to Tamariki,” he said.
Identifying key signs
St John Head of Community Education Jacci Tatnell said that students from Year One to Year Eight will learn how to identify key signs of stroke, including drooping on one side, weakness in one arm, and difficulty in speaking.
“Children’s minds are like sponges; they are quick learners and absorb information easily and hence teaching them how to recognise the signs of a stroke and acting fast by calling 111 for an ambulance means lives can be saved,” she said.
The stroke awareness lessons also advance a strategic goal by St John of building community resilience and addressing inequities in access to healthcare.
“We know that Maori and Pasifika communities experience higher rates of stroke. Hence, the more Tamariki that we reach through our basic first aid lessons in schools, the better prepared these communities will be in the event of an emergency,” Ms Tatnell said.
St John and ASB recently presented an ASB Super Saver Bravery Award to an eight-year-old schoolboy in the Bay of Plenty, in recognition of his courage and quick thinking when he phoned 111 for an ambulance after his grandmother suffered a stroke.
The Challenges
Health Ministry Senior Advisor Alisa Jacobson said that officials were conscious of the challenges during the roll out of FAST message.
“We are aware of the social filters that people develop as adults. These often stop us from acting appropriately when faced with a situation that needs us to respond. We are delighted with the focus that the ASB St John in Schools Programme has in support of our national FAST campaign. They are key to children learning the important lessons on detecting the signs and calling for help when they suspect a stroke,” she said.
Primary schools interested in the ASB St John in Schools Programme can find out more and contact St John online at www.stjohn.org.nz/schools.
About ASB St John in Schools
The ASB St John in Schools Programme provides pre-school and school-aged children with the skills and confidence to take action in response to an emergency situation.
St John community educators teach young people first aid basics and knowledge to take responsibility for their own health and wellbeing, along with those around them.
Different skills are taught to different age groups, with four modules offered: Responding in an emergency, Keeping safe, Clued up camper, and Weaving wellbeing.
More than 800,000 students have completed the ASB St John in Schools Programme since 2015. With support from ACC, the common goal is to deliver to a total of one million New Zealand students (pre-school through to intermediate) by 2023.
For more information, visit https://www.stjohn.org.nz/what-we-do/community-programmes/asb-st-john-in-schools-programme/
About the FAST Campaign
The FAST Campaign encourages everyone to learn the key signs of stroke and to think and act fast and look out for each other by calling 111 if they suspect a stroke. Prompt action can save lives as well as improve recovery.
A stroke occurs when blood supply to the brain is interrupted. The symptoms might show on the face, arm or in speech, but it is the brain that’s being damaged.
For more information visit www.stroke.org.nz/fast.
About ASB and St John
ASB and St John have enjoyed a strong and positive partnership since 2008.
In 2016, ASB became the sponsor of ASB St John in Schools, a First Aid Programme delivered in partnership with ACC. The Programme teaches Kiwi children life-saving skills and the confidence to take action in an emergency.
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