Margaret Broughton’s granddaughter, Katya, was only 4 years old when she helped save her Māmā’s life.
It was the week before Christmas 2020, and Margaret Broughton was at home with her granddaughter Katya. The pair were going about their day as usual; it wasn’t until Margaret was combing Katya’s hair that they both became aware that something was wrong. Margaret was having a stroke.
Margaret was speaking to her granddaughter when she noticed that her speech had started to slur. “I was starting to talk to her and realised that something was coming out, but I didn’t know what I was actually saying”. Alarmed, she tried to stand up, lost her balance and fell to the floor. 4-year-old Katya knew something wasn’t right with her Māmā Margaret. Running for help, Katya found her Pāpā Nga and told him what had happened.
Nga found Margaret lying unresponsive on the floor, though unaware Margaret was having a stroke, Nga knew something was very wrong and made the decision to call an ambulance.
When recalling events, Margaret says “It was just so quick, from the time it happened to the time they got me into theatre. I don’t know what would have happened if he had not called an ambulance straight away. I’m grateful for my granddaughter and my partner Nga”.
Thanks to Katya and Nga’s quick actions and access to medical treatment, Margaret has had a positive outcome for her stroke. If left for any longer though, the situation may have been very different.
Though Margaret’s stroke was unexpected, there has been tragedy in the family previously. In 1999, Margaret’s sister Tina passed away from a stroke at the young age of 38. “We didn’t know what a stroke was, you know, people talk about stroke but don’t really know what it is”.
Margaret has made it her mission to learn about the F.A.S.T signs and stroke risks along with her whānau in hope of helping others one day and in honour of her sister Tina.
When you have a stroke, the time it takes you to get help becomes critical to survival and recovery. Margaret and her whānau know only too well the importance of acting quickly and calling 111 immediately at any sign of a stroke.
Resources available to help you look out for you and your whānau:
To learn more about stroke, including how you may be at risk, how to recognize a stroke and how to act FAST download any of the resources.
What is a Stroke?
• English
• Samoan
• Tongan
What are the Signs of Stroke?
• English
• Samoan
• Tongan
How do I reduce the risk of having a stroke?
• General Tips for Reducing Risk - English
• Reducing Salt intake - English
Most of the resources below can be downloaded as PDF files.
To order any resources in hard copy (subject to availability) please fill out this order form or phone 0800 78 76 53.
The importance of recognizing the signs and acting on them:
A stroke happens when the blood supply to your brain stops suddenly – it is a serious medical emergency and should not be taken lightly. Every minute your brain goes without oxygen is critical, if not treated to fast enough the affected person can suffer from permanent damage to the brain or even death.
In New Zealand, there are over 9,500 strokes happen each year – that’s one every 55 minutes. We encourage all Kiwi communities to learn about the key signs of a stroke are, how to act F.A.S.T. and to dial 111 straight away. Don’t call your GP or try to drive yourself – seek help immediately. Action without delay can save lives.
The sooner someone receives medical treatment the likeliness of brain damage can be reduced and the better chance of a strong recovery and in some cases full recovery is possible.
Know the signs of a stoke – think F.A.S.T:
• Face: drooping, weakness and/or numbness in the face
• Arm: weakness or numbness of the arm (and/or leg)
• Speech: difficulty speaking, disoriented speech
• Take Action: Dial 111 immediately
If you come across somebody you suspect is having a stroke, think F.A.S.T and dial 111 immediately.