In the United States, strokes are one of the leading causes of death for both men and women. But the chance for survival increases dramatically if patients get medical care as soon as symptoms appear.
That's why Renown Regional Medical Center partners with REMSA to have trained teams ready at all times.
Monday the two agencies held a “Code Stroke” drill and Channel 2 News rode along for a closer look at how the professionals prepare for this kind of emergency.
A stroke is an attack of the brain - when two million brain cells die every minute - so speed of care is vital to survival and recovery. But, medical professionals say, patients must do their part- by calling 911 immediately if a stroke is suspected.
That's when the medical team takes over. Paramedics begin taking vitals as soon as they arrive and continue on the ride to the hospital... alerting medics that a possible stroke patient is coming in.
Vicki Skorupski is the Stroke Program Coordinator for Renown. She says the partnership with REMSA is crucial when it comes to helping stroke patients.
“They draw labs for us so they can hand labs right to our lab so we have quick turnaround for our lab results, they will start two IVs.”
While the paramedics are busy in the ambulance - a whole stroke team is coming together at Renown... preparing for the patient. It's a big team and everyone plays a crucial role - from the person who gets your name...
“…to the CT tech being there so we can get you back for a quick CT scan so we can be sure we know what's going on inside your head,” says Vicki “…to the neurologist who is waiting, is paged, who is here as quickly as possible, right at the bedside doing that assessment.”
Even the pharmacy is alerted, to begin preparing medication.
Tune in to Channel 2 News at 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, for details on how to recognize a stroke when it's happening and a first-hand look at stroke treatment as I ride along and play the patient during the “Code Stroke” drill.
