Having established protocols for transport destination eliminates delay and confusion. Know your local protocols!
Patients with a positive stroke screen and/or a strong suspicion of stroke should be transported rapidly to the closest healthcare facility that can capably administer intravenous (IV) tissue plasminogen activator (tPA).
2019 Update to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA) 2018 Guidelines for the Early Management of Acute Ischemic Stroke.
Transporting patients to the most suitable stroke care facility may require bypassing other closer hospitals. This can be stressful for the EMS providers when dealing with a critical patient, but the data support improved outcomes overall. Notifying the receiving stroke capable facility in advance will allow activation of the stroke team and help streamline care upon arrival.
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