Prehospital Stroke Care

As the first healthcare professionals to come into contact with acute stroke patients, prehospital providers are uniquely positioned to obtain critical information, perform a rapid assessment, and initiate stroke treatment. Prehospital stroke care is a vital part of the stroke chain of survival and incorporates public education, dispatch operators, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and regional policymakers. To optimize stroke patient’s treatment, stroke systems of care need to be tailored to regional needs, incorporating early management and stabilization protocols aimed at reducing delays in the field and quickly transitioning care to the receiving hospital. Prehospital stroke care is an active area of research related to diagnosis, organization of care, and treatment. Coordination of prehospital and hospital-based care provides the greatest opportunity for stroke patients to make a full and speedy recovery.