What should a paramedic do if a patient shows signs of a stroke?

When a patient presents with signs of a stroke, the most critical action a paramedic can take is to activate the stroke protocol and ensure timely transport to a specialized stroke center. This is essential because the management of a stroke is highly time-sensitive; the quicker a patient receives appropriate treatment, the better the chances of minimizing long-term disability and improving outcomes. Stroke protocols are designed to streamline the identification and management process and facilitate rapid response from stroke teams.

In the case of a stroke, particularly an ischemic stroke where a clot blocks blood flow to the brain, interventions such as thrombolytic therapy need to be administered as soon as possible, typically within a few hours of symptom onset. By following the stroke protocol, paramedics can ensure that the patient receives immediate evaluation and treatment upon arrival at the hospital.

While monitoring vital signs is important, simply waiting for symptoms to resolve is inappropriate in the context of a stroke, as the window for effective intervention may close rapidly. Administering aspirin can be beneficial in some cases but is not the first-line treatment for within the critical initial hours after a stroke begins, and it may even be contraindicated in hemorrhagic strokes. Performing a comprehensive history and physical exam is important but should not delay activation of stroke protocols