Health · Public Health & Disease · 4 hrs ago
FAST Heroes has taught more than 15,000 children in Portugal to spot strokes
FAST Heroes has taught more than 15,000 children in Portugal to recognise signs of a stroke, according to the programme.
It recorded its highest participation in Portugal in the 2025-26 school year.
The programme teaches children, especially those aged 5 to 9, to look for changes in the face, weakness in an arm and difficulty speaking.
Children are taught to call 112 immediately if they spot these warning signs.
On 29 October, a session for third- and fourth-year pupils took place at the Couto Mineiro do Pejão school group, as part of activities in 11 schools across the Tâmega and Sousa health service area.
The international programme aims to take stroke awareness from schools into families, with particular attention to grandparents.
Its organisers say they want to strengthen health knowledge among children and their families.
FAST Heroes has taught more than 15,000 children in Portugal to recognise stroke signs.
The programme recorded its highest participation in Portugal in the 2025/2026 school year.
It teaches children to identify stroke symptoms and call Portugal’s emergency number, 112.
On 29 October, a session for pupils in years 3 and 4 was held at Couto Mineiro do Pejão school group.
- Who
- FAST Heroes and participating schools. The Couto Mineiro do Pejão session was for pupils in years 3 and 4.
- What
- The programme teaches children to recognise stroke signs and seek help.
- When
- The programme recorded its highest participation in the 2025/2026 school year. The Couto Mineiro session took place on 29 October.
- Where
- Portugal, including the Couto Mineiro do Pejão school group.
- Why
- To improve health literacy among children and their families and help people respond quickly to stroke symptoms.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
FAST Heroes recorded its highest participation in Portugal.
The Tâmega and Sousa Local Health Unit held sessions at 11 schools across its 11 municipalities.
A FAST Heroes session for pupils in years 3 and 4 took place at Couto Mineiro do Pejão school group.
- Children taught in Portugal
- More than 15,000
- Participation record
- 2025/2026 school year
- Couto Mineiro session
- 29 October
- Schools in session series
- 11
- Emergency number taught
- 112