'Call 999 immediately' if you have one of these three symptoms, says NHS

The NHS has sounded the alarm, urging the public to "call 999" if they notice any of three key symptoms that could signal a - in an effort to prevent life-threatening situations.

Health chiefs are emphasizing the critical need for prompt medical intervention as soon as a single warning sign appears. This urgent message is backed by new statistics revealing that many stroke victims could receive faster diagnosis and treatment.

Data indicates that it takes on average more than an hour for someone experiencing initial stroke symptoms to make that crucial emergency call. The latest push marks a significant refresh of the NHS's "Act FAST" campaign, which hasn't seen a major update since 2009. The campaign's core message instructs people to dial 999 immediately upon spotting any of the three primary signs of a stroke.

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A recent survey of 2,001 adults in England uncovered a worrying misconception: 57 percent believed that two to three symptoms should be present before calling 999, despite the fact that just one symptom can indicate a medical crisis, reports . Moreover, nearly two-thirds (64 per cent) admitted they wouldn't call 999 first if they observed someone suddenly having trouble smiling.

Professor Stephen Powis, national medical director, has stressed the importance of quick action at the first hint of a stroke, stating that it "could help save and protect many more lives". He pointed out: "These figures highlight very clearly that we must do more to support people to recognise the symptoms of stroke in themselves and others and take action to call 999 at the earliest opportunity.

"Stroke symptoms can be less obvious or dramatic than you might expect, but even if it doesn't seem like it, any sign of stroke is always an emergency and it's vital you call 999 immediately.

"This campaign is so important – greater awareness of the need to act fast and dial 999 could help save and protect many more lives, as we know that earlier recognition of symptoms and immediate action to call 999 can enable faster access to specialist treatment and the best chance of reducing long-term effects of a stroke."

Every year in the UK, around 100,000 people suffer a stroke, which happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. Without swift treatment, a stroke can lead to death or long-term disabilities such as paralysis, memory loss and communication problems.

Although survival rates are improving, strokes are still the fourth single leading cause of death in the UK, with 38,000 stroke-related deaths each year. A stroke can strike anyone at any age, but those over 50, people from black or South Asian backgrounds, or those with conditions such as high , diabetes or sickle cell disease are at increased risk.

Dr David Hargroves, the NHS's top expert on strokes stressed the importance of fast action, explaining: "When someone has a stroke, it's estimated they may lose around two million brain cells a minute, which is why rapid diagnosis and treatment is critical – the first sign of a stroke might not seem like much, but face or arm or speech, at the first sign it's time to call 999."

He continued by highlighting advancements in healthcare: "Thanks to greater awareness of the symptoms and advances in care, more people are now surviving a stroke than ever before, but there is much more to do to help save lives and reduce the long-term impact of strokes. Acting FAST remains vital – whether it is a friend, loved one or even a passer-by, dialling 999 quickly saves lives."

The NHS also emphasises that there are additional signs indicating a stroke: Lastly, the NHS warns: "Symptoms of a stroke can sometimes stop after a short time, so you may think you're OK. Even if this happens, get medical help straight away."