Patients who have had a recent stroke (i.e. <48 hours ago) are taken by ambulance to one of our three Hyper Acute Stroke Units (HASU). Time is of the essence with stroke, as more of the brain dies the longer a stroke continues. Clot busting drugs are suitable for some patients, but only if given within 4 hours of the onset of stroke. Research also has shown that patients do better if they are treated for the first few days in a HASU, as these centres provide specialist stroke care.
It is therefore critical that an ambulance is called for patients as soon as possible, where the onset of stroke symptoms is <48 hours ago – the F.A.S.T. test can be used to help diagnosis. This pre hospital pathway training video shows you why it is so important our pre hospital clinicians assess as soon as possible.
It is vital that professionals promote dialing 999 immediately on noticing any symptoms associated with stroke. Ensuring the recognition of stroke where the F.A.S.T. symptoms are negative is also important and work to improve this continues through educational webinars.
Patients who have had a stroke >48 hours ago are treated at a District Stroke Centre (DSC) in their local hospital, as they need rehabilitation rather than emergency stroke care, and won’t benefit from going to a HASU.
Since October 2019, patients taking some oral anticoagulants are transported in a more timely manner to a HASU. Through local evidence this is now best practice within national ambulance guidelines.