AMBULANCE crews have had special training to help stroke patients.

Crews and paramedics across West Yorkshire have been trained on the FAST (Face, Arm, Speech Test) diagnostic tool to help spot symptoms quickly.

And a new system of dispatching vehicles means that patients are taken immediately to special stroke units around the county.

The news comes on the back of a report by the National Audit Office which shows ambulance services are delivering better care to people who have had a stroke.

The repor shows ambulance services have played a vital role in improvements in stroke care within the NHS.

Every year strokes devastate the lives of hundreds of people across the county and research has shown that up to 85% are caused by a blood clot. Administering clot-busting drugs (thrombolysis) within three hours can mean the difference between life and death.

Dr Alison Walker, Yorkshire Ambulance Service Medical Director, said: “We have invested a lot of time and effort into improving our services for stroke patients to reduce disability and increase the chances of survival.

“We are pleased the measures we have put in place are benefiting patients and we will continue to work closely with our healthcare partners to further improve services.”