The First 60 Minutes

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With stroke, "time is brain." 1.9 million brain cells die each minute.

Immediate treatment is critical to prevent loss of function.

Our Stroke Center uses standardized procedures to ensure that stroke patients are diagnosed and begin treatment within 60 minutes of arrival at the Faxton St. Luke's Healthcare Emergency Department.

Emergency Medical Services staff notify our Emergency Department of a possible stroke patient coming in.

1. A "Stroke Alert" is sent out to other hospital departments to get them prepared for necessary evaluations:
   • The charge nurse assigns a primary nurse to the patient
   • Emergency Department physician is notified
   • The lab technician is notified and waiting to draw blood
   • CT scanner and EKG technicians are notified.
2. On arrival, an immediate assessment of the patient is completed by the Emergency Department physician and primary nurse:
   • The "Stroke Alert" team uses the National Institute of Health (NIH) Stroke Scale to determine where and how severe the stroke may be.
      
3. Once all "Stroke Alert" team members have completed their evaluations, the team decides if the patient should receive t-PA, the most effective treatment available for stroke patients:
   • The Pharmacy Department is called in to consult the dosage given to each patient
   • Find out more about t-PA Treatment.
      
4. The Emergency Department physician, primary nurse, and stroke center medical director and clinical coordinator decide the course of additional treatment. More departments are then notified to determine services the patient may need, including:
   • Nursing Services
   • Speech and Language Pathology
   • Occupational Therapy
   • Physical Therapy
   • Care Management