How ER24 is primed for stroke care

A stroke (or brain attack) is a major medical emergency. The sooner a patient is properly assessed, the earlier medical experts can intervene and preserve brain function.

Once a patient has suffered a stroke, damage to the brain has already occurred. To restore blood flow to the brain and prevent lasting brain injury, the patient must be correctly diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.

Streamlined stroke care

Since 2017, Mediclinic and ER24 have worked together to streamline stroke treatment procedures so patients get the right care as soon as possible. “International data has shown that the earlier you detect stroke and intervene, the better the patient outcomes,” says Grant Stewart, Branch Manager at ER24 North Metropole. “International protocol suggests we have a 4.5-hour window period after the patient starts displaying signs of stroke to implement the best course of treatment.”

The time before getting to the hospital is crucial for treating strokes quickly and effectively. ER24 plays a key role in putting Mediclinic's advanced stroke care plans into action, even before paramedics arrive on the scene.

ER24’s Contact Centre has special procedures for spotting stroke cases, and their Emergency Resource Officers (EROs) are trained to handle these situations with the right level of urgency. “These cases are treated as priority calls, and the aim is to dispatch the appropriate emergency medical response as soon as possible,” Stewart says.

Time is critical for stroke patients

Every minute matters. “A person who is having a stroke might not understand what is happening,” says Stewart. “They seldom feel any pain, and there are limited first aid interventions that bystanders can do to help in that scenario. It’s important that onlookers or family members can recognise the warning signs of stroke, and that they know to call ER24 on 084 124 for real help, real fast.”

How to tell if someone has had a stroke

Healthcare professionals use the FAST acronym to determine if a stroke has occurred:

F is for face – is there paralysis or muscle weakness or a droop on one or both sides of the patient’s face?

A is for arms – can they raise their arms and is there a sign of muscle weakness on one side?

S is for speech – can they speak and choose the right words when they do so?

T is for time – don’t wait to get help.  Call ER24 or get the patient to your nearest Emergency Centre as soon as possible.

How ER24 is primed for stroke care

If a stroke is suspected, ER24 Contact Centre alerts the right Mediclinic hospital in advance so the Emergency Centre is ready for the patient. After rapid triage, the radiology department will immediately perform a medical imaging test such as a computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These tests determine what caused the stroke and help identify the best treatment.

“Ischaemic strokes are the most common and occur after a blood vessel to the brain has been blocked by a clot,” says Stewart. “These patients may need intravenous medication to dissolve the blood clots that have caused the occlusion (blockage). On the other hand, if the scans detect a haemorrhagic stroke (when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and bleeds), the patient might be sent for surgery to stop the bleeding.”

Mediclinic’s Stroke Project has created an integrated model for stroke care at all our facilities. This means that stroke patients are quickly sent to the most appropriate facility for their needs, ensuring the best possible outcomes.

Call ER24 on 084 124 in any emergency for real help, real fast.