Young FAST Heroes flip the script on stroke education

Australia has marked a milestone in the global fight against stroke, hosting its first-ever FAST Heroes graduation ceremony. The initiative, funded by Boehringer Ingelheim’s Angels Initiative, is a worldwide educational program designed to teach children how to recognise the warning signs of stroke and act quickly in an emergency.

Traditionally, intergenerational learning has been viewed as knowledge flowing from adults to children. Yet new studies highlight the reverse: children can influence their parents and grandparents, sparking the spread of life-saving knowledge within families. That shift was on full display at the Ararat West Primary School, as students aged 8 to 10 graduated from the superhero-themed program, equipped not just with the skills to identify stroke, but with the confidence to share them at home.

Alberto de la Hoz, Medical Director at Boehringer Ingelheim Australia and New Zealand, underlined the urgency of the mission.

“Stroke affects one in four people, but it’s treatable if caught early. By teaching children to spot the signs and act fast, we’re turning families into first responders, and that can mean the difference between recovery and lifelong disability. What makes FAST Heroes so powerful is the emotional connection. Children don’t just learn this for themselves, they share it because they want to protect the people they love. That’s why this knowledge sticks,” he explained.

In Australia, one stroke occurs every 11 minutes. Yet only 38% of patients reach hospital within the critical 4.5-hour treatment window. Globally, more than 900,000 children across 25 countries have joined the FAST Heroes campaign, with family awareness of stroke symptoms jumping from 38% to 85%.

The program’s core message is straightforward: when stroke strikes, every minute counts. Children are trained to recognise the signs – Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty – and to act without hesitation by calling 000.

“Since launching the Angels Initiative in 2016, we’ve been committed to helping healthcare systems worldwide become ‘stroke-ready’ so patients can receive the fastest, most effective treatment possible.

“FAST Heroes extends this mission into the community. When children know the signs of stroke and how to call 000, they become the first link in the chain of survival. Every minute counts when stroke strikes, and these young heroes are helping ensure no time is wasted,” de la Hoz added.

Assistant Principal Josh McDougall said the program had ignited both learning and leadership among his students.

“Our students have embraced this program with enthusiasm and pride. They’ve not only learned how to recognise stroke symptoms, but they’ve also become confident communicators, sharing this knowledge with their families. It’s been inspiring to watch them grow into real-life heroes. Their influence within households should not be underestimated, especially when 60% of Australians can’t name the most common signs of stroke. That’s why education initiatives like this are so important,” he said.

Evaluations of the program reveal measurable impact, with significant improvements in parents’ and grandparents’ ability to recall the FAST acronym, recognise symptoms, and their willingness to call emergency services immediately.

Teachers at Ararat West Primary praised the program’s mix of practical learning and meaningful dialogue.

“My students loved the short videos and especially the activity where they got to be each other’s arms. It was fun, interactive, and sparked great conversations about losing control of movement during a stroke,” commented one teacher.

“Reading the story scripts about calling 000 opened up important discussions. Students reflected on knowing their address, phone number, and how to describe their location if they’re not at home. We also talked about staying calm and listening to questions during an emergency. One student asked, ‘What if I get scared to talk?’ That led to a powerful conversation about courage and helping someone who’s unwell.”

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