Winifred’s life saved thanks to F.A.S.T. thinking

When Busselton's Winifred (Wyn) Legon and Ron Tucker attended an ambulance service presentation 4 years ago about recognising the signs of stroke, they hoped the day would never come they would need to use that knowledge.

Thankfully for Wyn, Ron's knowledge from that presentation, and his quick thinking, resulted in her getting the urgent care she needed to survive.

Wyn has joined the more than 43,000 Western Australians who are stroke survivors, many of whom are here today because of the education around F.A.S.T. signs of stroke.

When it comes to recognising the signs of stroke, everybody must think F.A.S.T.:

• Face – Check their face. Has their mouth drooped?
• Arms – Can they lift both arms?
• Speech – Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?
• Time is critical. If you see any of these signs call 000 straight away.

For Wyn, Ron's F.A.S.T. thinking saved her life.

“I was speaking on the phone to a friend when my words slipped away and were not coherent.

“Ron was in the room with me and looked across to see the left side of my face drooped prompting him to immediately called 000,” Wyn said.

Ron said he instantly thought of the word 'fast' from the presentation.

“It immediately reminded me to act quickly – it is so simple it stayed with me,” he added.

What followed was an incredible 12 hour journey from when the symptoms started to assessment at Busselton Health Campus and finally being air-lifted to Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital for emergency surgery. The urgency of the situation not lost on anybody in the process.

Wyn’s transport for emergency surgery was aided by the WA Acute Stroke Pathways, which provides country clinicians access to specialist neurology advice from a tertiary hospital. The pathways ensure patients can receive the urgent care they need regardless of their location.

Wyn is thankful to the clinicians and all other staff involved in her journey.

“Because of the professional and speedy care I was given, the surgery was a success for me and I am back to my usual self,” she said.

Wyn is back to doing what she loves – gardening, cooking, travelling, and volunteering at the Busselton Jetty to meet and greet the tourists in the city she loves.

Like Ron, everybody has the capability to save a life by remembering F.A.S.T. and the signs of stroke.

Together we can be United by Stroke. To learn more please visit the Stroke Foundation website (external link).