For many people their grandparents and parents are their heroes. Heroes that help them, nurture them and love them. What kids don't know is that sometimes even heroes need help: every day up to 360 South Africans are affected by strokes. Data suggests that about a third of those who experience a stroke will die, and a quarter will be left with life-changing disability.[1]

Stroke is a ‘brain attack’ that occurs when oxygen supply to the brain is cut off by a blockage or damage to a blood vessel in the brain. This causes the brain cells to die, which can be fatal or result in disability. ² The chances of recovery for stroke patients depend on somebody recognising that they are experiencing a stroke and getting them to an emergency hospital FAST.

If you suspect a stroke do the FAST test:

Face: Smile and see if one side droops

Arm: Raise both arms. Does one arm drift down?

Speech: Repeat any sentence. Is there trouble speaking or understanding?

Time: Time saved is brain function saved. A person loses 1.9 million neurons each minute in which stroke is untreated³. Every minute counts in accessing care.

The Angels Initiative is on a mission to save South African heroes by getting families around the country to join the FAST Heroes 112 Squad. 

The Squad visits schools to teach children the signs and symptoms of stroke, what to do in a stroke emergency and help learners become next-gen heroes who might one day save their own hero.

Visit www.fastheroes112.com for more information on stroke, to register as an ambassador or nominate a school to join the campaign.

Meet our FAST Heroes: