Pre-hospital care

Early recognition of stroke symptoms, the subsequent response of individuals to having a stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA), and the timing and method by which people are transferred to hospital are critical to ensuring optimal outcomes for patients. Typically 70% of stroke patients arrive by ambulance, so in this hyper-acute phase of care the ambulance service has a central coordinating role.

Mobile stroke units, which are ambulances equipped with a CT scanner, point-of-care lab and telemedicine, and staffed with a stroke specialised medical team, offer another way to improve rates and access to hyper-acute care.

For current research and evidence-based recommendations see our Clinical Guidelines.