Polyconsult: Recognize cerebral stroke, act quickly and correctly

Every 30 minutes, a person in Switzerland suffers a stroke. One in three reaches the hospital too late to be treated effectively, and one in four dies as a result. A great deal of suffering could be avoided if the right action were taken in the event of a stroke. Yet 42 percent of the Swiss population cannot name any of the most important stroke symptoms and 35 percent do not know the emergency number 144.

Therefore, the Swiss Heart Foundation launched the national awareness campaign "Recognize a stroke, act quickly and correctly". Within this framework, Polyconsult developed spots and online banners. These demonstrate in a simple but effective way the three most important symptoms that indicate a suspected stroke. Brain stroke exists and the emergency call 144 should be notified immediately.

The campaign will run from June to the beginning of September 2016 on TV and online. Further measures, such as presentations, will be implemented on an ongoing basis in hospitals with stroke centers and stroke units until the end of 2017. These specialize in the treatment of stroke patients.

Responsible at the Swiss Heart Foundation: Stefanie Oehler, Head of Education and Prevention. Responsible at Polyconsult: Silvio Truffer (idea and motion design); Roger Ghezzi (idea and text); Caroline Bühler (consulting). Media: Mediafactor, Bern.