What is the primary goal of prehospital care for stroke patients?

The primary goal of prehospital care for stroke patients is to minimize transport time to the emergency department (ED). Rapid transport is critical in stroke management because every minute counts in preserving brain function. Stroke symptoms may be caused by either an ischemic event, where blood flow is obstructed, or a hemorrhagic event, where there is bleeding in the brain.

Time is of the essence, as both types of stroke can lead to irreversible brain damage if blood flow is not restored quickly. Therefore, reducing transport time allows for faster intervention once the patient arrives at the hospital, where specific treatments can be administered to address the cause of the stroke effectively. This emphasis on prompt transport facilitates quicker access to diagnostic imaging and the possibility of treatments such as thrombolysis or neurointervention, which are time-sensitive.

While administering medications, stabilizing vital signs, and ensuring transport to the nearest hospital are important components of prehospital care, they are secondary to the primary goal of reducing the time it takes for the patient to receive definitive care in the ED.