Stroke, for decades, has been a leading cause of both death and adult disability worldwide. The often-repeated adage for stroke recognition and treatment is, “Time is brain.” For every minute a patient suffers a stroke they can lose 2 million brain cells and add an extra week to their rehabilitation. The goal, historically, for EMS stroke care was stabilization and expedient transport to the nearest and most appropriate stroke capable facility.
Then in 2010, the first ever Mobile Stroke Unit (MSU) was launched in Saarland, Germany. Introducing an EMS vehicle that brought stroke diagnosis and treatment to the pre-hospital setting. Since then, more than 20 units in the US and 40 units worldwide have begun delivering direct, advanced neurological care in their communities. Recent studies have demonstrated that not only do MSUs deliver treatment to more eligible patients; they deliver life altering treatment faster than traditional EMS to Hospital models. Our Columbus, OH based Mobile Stroke Treatment Unit has not only replicated these results but improved and expanded becoming one of the busiest mobile units in the U.S.
Learning Objectives:

Upon completion, participant will be able to understand how mobile stroke units operate and how they can augment EMS response to stroke.
Upon completion, participant will be able to explain the benefits that mobile stroke units have regarding patient care and outcome.
Upon completion, participant will be able to discuss potential improvements to EMS screening of stroke and appropriate triage of patients.