Code Stroke: Timely Treatments Can Save Lives

We wrote, directed, and produced this stroke protocol vignette as part 4 of 4 protocols the Heart and Stroke Canada wanted to highlight. Shot on location at Victoria General Hospital with the assistance of BC Ambulance Service and Vancouver Island Health Authority. We used real first responders and health care/stroke experts in all of these videos. The results of the CT scan and assessment by the stroke neurologist determine the treatment available. There have been improvements both large and small in stroke interventions over the past several years. Thrombolytic drugs such as tPA, which break up the clots that cause ischemic strokes, have greatly improved outcomes for stroke patients as had more recent revolutionary endovascular therapy. Know the signs of stroke – FAST Face – is it drooping? Arms – can you raise both? Speech – is it slurred or jumbled? Time – to call 9-1-1 or your local emergency service right away. http://www.heartandstroke.ca/FAST