StrokeSafe volunteer Richard Haley.
Camera IconStrokeSafe volunteer Richard Haley. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Mandurah man promotes benefits of StrokeSafe program

Vanessa SchmittMandurah Coastal Times

MANDURAH resident Richard Haley is urging people to be stroke aware this year by organising or attending a potentially lifesaving StrokeSafe talk.

Mr Haley, one of the first recipients of endovascular therapy in Australia, is committed to spreading the word about preventing the potentially deadly disease along with knowing the steps to take in a stroke emergency.

Mr Haley suffered a near-fatal stroke eight years ago and became a StrokeSafe volunteer after receiving exceptional treatment at the hands of WA’s health professionals.

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He is concerned more than 328 strokes are expected in the Mandurah/Canning electorate this year alone.

Across Australia there will be one stroke every nine minutes.

“It’s devastating that stroke kills more women than breast cancer and more men than prostate cancer”, Mr Haley said.

“The outlook does not need to be this grim.

“Eighty percent of strokes are preventable and with the right treatment at the right time many people are able to make a full recovery.

“Stroke is always a time-critical medical emergency.

“Through the StrokeSafe sessions I encourage locals to learn the signs of stroke and understand how important it is to get to hospital quickly.”

To organise Mr Haley to talk about stroke prevention call 1300 194 196 or book online at www.strokefoundation.com.au.

Mr Haley said to recognise the signs of stroke remember FAST.

Face – Check their face. Has their mouth drooped? Arms – Can they lift both arms? Speech – Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you? Time – Time is critical.

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