Shocking new data has found an increase in calls to Stroke Foundation’s free support service before they’re calling an ambulance.
The data found there was a 34 per cent rise between 2022 and 2023 in callers with current symptoms to the StrokeLine service.
The national hotline is staffed by a team of health professionals and provides information and advice on stroke prevention, treatment and recovery.
In the La Trobe federal electorate, which includes Pakenham, Officer and Beaconsfield there are:
Approximately 173 people from the electorate are expected to have a stroke this year, 97 of these are males and 76 are females.
Approximately 2,711 people are living with stroke.
Approximately 32,640 people are living with high blood pressure and 18,504 people are living with high cholesterol which are two of the most modifiable risk factors of stroke.
While in the Casey federal electorate:
Approximately 176 people from the electorate are expected to have a stroke this year, 97 of these are males and 79 are females.
Approximately 2,861 people are living with stroke.
Approximately 31,976 people are living with high blood pressure and 19,036 people are living with high cholesterol which are two of the most modifiable risk factors of stroke.
Stroke Foundation chief executive officer Dr Lisa Murphy said the national helpline is currently overrun with calls.
As part of 2024-25 Federal, State and Territory budgets process they have asked for new investments to StrokeLine so that this service can increase its support to the community.
The organisation has also asked for increased investment to the F.A.S.T. (Face. Arms. Speech. Time) education program to reach more Australians about the signs of a stroke and build confidence in calling triple zero (000) as soon as the signs appear.
