Stroke recovery patient Jarrod shares his story

Jarrod Healey was struck with a major stroke on Boxing Day, where everything changed in an instant.

From living an active and independent life, Jarrod was now faced with a life-threatening emergency and an uncertain future.

He says that Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital (SCGH) was where his life was saved, due to a radiologist who recognised the seriousness and understood immediate action was critical.

He urges everyone to be aware of the signs of stroke, known as F.A.S.T (Face, Arms, Speech, Time), to if recognised to seek help immediately.

"Do not assume you are too young, too active or too healthy to have a stroke. It can happen suddenly, without warning, and it can change your life in seconds," he said.

"That decision set everything in motion. The specialist team at SCGH were able to restore blood flow to my brain through multiple procedures which saved my life, and I will always be grateful that the right person was there at exactly the right time," he said.

"The skill, urgency and judgement of the radiologist, neurosurgeons, stroke specialists, doctors, nurses and intensive care staff gave me the chance to survive and return home to my family.

"I will never forget the people who cared for me during the most frightening and vulnerable time of my life.

"Those procedures did more than save my life. They gave me a future.”

Jarrod's recovery has required determination, patience and learning, but the treatment he received gave him another chance not only to live but to rebuild his independence and return to the things he loved, creating a meaningful life after stroke.

He says his strongest advice is never to ignore the signs of a stroke and never wait to see whether the symptoms will pass.

"Stroke treatment is extremely time-sensitive. Every minute without adequate blood flow can cause further damage to the brain. Calling an ambulance immediately may give doctors the opportunity to provide lifesaving treatment, including a thrombectomy."

"You never expect something like this to happen to you. I certainly did not, and I am alive today because people acted quickly."

This week marks National Stroke week, a time to focus on the importance of the F.A.S.T message (Face, Arms, Speech, Time), to help others recognise stroke signs and seek help immediately.

The SCGH neurology department diagnose and treat strokes across WA, with the Neurology Rapid Access Clinic available to provide timely assessments, reducing wait times and unnecessary Emergency Department visits.

Patient Jarrod at SCGH receiving care for a stroke.