Primary Stroke Centers (PSC)
PSC facilities have acute stroke teams, stroke units and written care protocols dealing with all aspects of stroke care. These facilities are capable of providing 24/7 stroke care. All required ancillary support services are available at anytime of the day or night. Access to rapid CT scanning, interpretation, and rapid lab testing are essential in providing prompt stroke care. There are over 800 primary stroke centers spread out in 49 states and this number is growing. in 2011, the Brain Attack Coalition recommended that EMS transport all patients suspected of having stroke to the nearest PSC. It is important for all EMS systems to have written protocols in place that facilitate transfer of stroke patients to the most appropriate hospital. [1][2][6][12]
