A Prince Edward Island stroke survivor is sharing his personal experience to raise awareness about the warning signs of stroke and the importance of acting quickly, as health organizations celebrate two decades of advancements in stroke treatment and recovery across Canada.
The Canadian Stroke Best Practice Recommendations (CSBPR), launched in 2006 through a partnership between Heart & Stroke and the Canadian Stroke Network, is marking its 20th anniversary. The initiative has played a major role in improving stroke prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation nationwide.
Heart & Stroke CEO Doug Roth said the evidence-based guidelines have transformed stroke care in Canada, helping improve survival rates and recovery outcomes for thousands of patients.
“With stroke on the rise, we need to continue to invest in systems change, research and innovation so that people who experience stroke have the best chance of surviving and having the fullest recovery possible,” Roth said.
Among those benefiting from advances in stroke care is Keith O’Neill of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, who experienced a stroke in March 2022 and now advocates for greater public awareness of stroke symptoms.
O’Neill recalls finishing work and walking toward his vehicle when he noticed something was wrong. His balance felt unsteady, and shortly after entering his car, his vision began to deteriorate. Recognizing the warning signs, he immediately called his wife and asked her to contact emergency services.
Although he believed he was clearly explaining his situation, the stroke had already begun affecting his speech.
“I think I’m having that conversation with her, but she’s only picking up key pieces of my words because I was slurring my speech,” O’Neill said.
Because of his experience working around the healthcare sector, O’Neill was familiar with the symptoms of stroke and understood the urgency of seeking medical attention. At the time, he was 53 years old and had none of the common risk factors often associated with stroke, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or obesity.
His experience serves as a reminder that while certain conditions increase risk, stroke can affect anyone. According to Health Canada, the likelihood of experiencing a stroke rises significantly after age 55.
O’Neill stresses the importance of remembering the FAST acronym, a simple tool used to identify potential stroke symptoms and respond quickly.
FAST stands for:
Face: Is one side of the face drooping?
Arms: Can both arms be raised evenly?
Speech: Is speech slurred, confused, or difficult to understand?
Time: Call 911 immediately.
“Time is crucial,” O’Neill said, emphasizing that rapid medical intervention can significantly improve survival rates and recovery outcomes.
Health Canada reports that nearly 39 percent of Canadians cannot identify any of the FAST warning signs, highlighting a continuing need for public education.
In addition to raising awareness, O’Neill underscored the value of continued investment in stroke research. He believes scientific advancements are essential for developing new treatments that can reduce brain damage and improve patient outcomes.
“It provides science to advance itself so we can find medicines that will help reduce damage in the case of a stroke,” he said. “It’s crucial.”
He added that research funding benefits not only current patients but future generations who may face similar health challenges.
As part of his recovery and health routine, O’Neill encourages people to stay physically active through regular walking. He currently walks five to six kilometres after work and believes even small amounts of daily exercise can contribute to better overall health.
“Whether you’re a first timer at walking, just walk to your mailbox and back home, and then just try to expand it,” he said.
His message is simple but powerful: know the signs of stroke, act quickly, and make healthy habits part of everyday life.