Prehospital EMS Triage for Acute Stroke Care

Acute stroke has had major advances over the last two decades due to the introduction of pharmacologic and endovascular revascularization, which can improve functional outcome. Stroke systems of care have been developed to provide faster, more efficient care for stroke patients. A major part of these care pathways is prehospital care, when patients are triaged to appropriate levels of care. It is essential that prehospital scales are used accurately and effectively by emergency medical services to assist them with the triage process. New technologies including mobile stroke units, telemedicine, and wearable technology have been introduced as options for optimization of this emergent process.

Automated summary

Advances in acute stroke treatment, such as pharmacologic and endovascular revascularization, have improved functional outcomes. Initiatives like stroke systems of care aim to provide faster and more efficient care, with prehospital care playing a crucial role in triaging patients accurately. New technologies, including mobile stroke units and telemedicine, offer options for optimizing this emergent process.