Lifesaving mission at Durban’s busiest taxi rank
Throughout this week the Angels Initiative, is working at major commuter hubs and some shopping centres in KZN to spread stroke awareness.
EXPERTS have warned that about a third of the estimated 360 South Africans affected by strokes everyday will die, and a quarter will be left with life-changing disability.
Stroke is essentially 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.
Throughout this week, a unique health programme, the Angels Initiative, is working at major commuter hubs and some shopping centres in KwaZulu-Natal to spread stroke awareness and teaching the public to respond appropriately in a stroke emergency.
Read also:Would you recognise someone having a stroke?
The series of health activations is part of an awareness campaign conducted by medical company Boehringer Ingelheim in partnership with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health.
On Thursday, 22 February Angels ambassadors mobilised commuters at Warwick Taxi Rank in Durban through which over 200 000 people commute daily. They handed out leaflets, talking about strokes, and encouraging commuters to do all they can to take good care of their health.
In addition, healthcare workers gave free blood pressure screening, as high blood pressure is major risk factor for stroke – and many people are unaware they have high blood pressure until the damage occurs.
Read also:Watch out for ‘Holiday heart syndrome’
Dr Sharadh Garach, Chief Specialist for Emergency Medicine at the KZN Department of Health said stroke affects South Africans in all walks of life and chances of recovery depend on somebody recognising it’s a stroke and getting them to hospital fast.
“Ordinary citizens are essentially the ‘first responders’ when a stroke occurs. If they are able to act with certainty and speed to secure emergency treatment, we can save many lives and reduce the severity of long-term damage,” said Garach.
The Angels Initiative aims to educate the public on stroke and to improve the ability of public and private hospitals to provide treatment.
Do you want to receive news alerts for North Durban via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname (ONLY) to 060 532 5532.
For more news follow us on Facebook or Twitter. You can also follows us Instagram
