Record numbers of individuals who have had strokes are now opting to transport themselves to the emergency room instead of waiting for an ambulance, according to recent data. The Stroke Association is urging people to dial 999 as their first step, emphasizing that this immediate action “can determine whether one leaves the hospital walking or in a wheelchair.” Over 25% of stroke patients are currently self-transporting to hospitals due to a decade of deteriorating ambulance response times.
The Stroke Association has highlighted that response times are showing signs of improvement, and paramedics are equipped with specialized tools to provide treatment en route. They are also knowledgeable about which hospitals have specialized stroke units and can transport patients directly there. Despite these advancements, there have been reports of individuals waiting for extended periods for ambulance assistance after experiencing suspected strokes.
Professor Deb Lowe, the medical director of the Stroke Association, stressed the urgency of calling 999 at the first sign of stroke symptoms, which include facial drooping, arm weakness, and slurred speech. Prompt medical attention is crucial as a stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is obstructed, leading to rapid cell death. The charity’s recent analysis indicates that every 22 minutes, a stroke patient in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland chooses to go to the emergency room independently instead of via ambulance.
Ensuring that patients reach hospitals with specialized stroke units is essential for timely treatment, including procedures like thrombectomy to remove blood clots. Expedited brain scans can be requested even before an ambulance arrives, and direct admission to acute stroke units has been linked to improved survival rates. The Stroke Association noted that average ambulance response times for stroke-related calls are within the NHS target of 30 minutes, with decreasing handover times in recent months.
Professor Lowe highlighted the increasing stroke incidence due to the aging population, emphasizing the need for swift treatment for all stroke patients. While acknowledging concerns about ambulance delays, she reiterated that it remains the most efficient way to access optimal stroke care, especially when complemented by technologies like prehospital video triage.
Choosing the right facility for prompt and effective treatment can significantly impact a stroke patient’s recovery outcome, potentially determining whether they walk out of the hospital or require long-term assistance.