After 911

Every second matters for a stroke patient.

Article Date: May 01, 2024

Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a stroke. It's the leading cause of disability in the nation and the fifth leading cause of death.

During a stroke, every second matters. Early detection and access to prompt treatment not only save lives but lessen a patient's chance of developing long-term disabilities.

High-quality stroke care

Each stroke is different and treatment needs can vary depending on the type and complexity. Through its network of hospitals, Emergency Centers and telestroke capabilities, Baptist Health provides timely access to high-quality stroke care and services across Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia.

Within Baptist Health's network is the Comprehensive Stroke Center at Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville. It has the highest stroke certification in the region and is equipped to treat any kind of stroke or complication.

"When people who are showing the signs and symptoms of a stroke are taken to a Comprehensive Stroke Center, like Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville, it can make a significant difference in outcomes and recovery," said Nima Aghaebrahim, MD, neurointerventionalist with Lyerly Neurosurgery at Baptist Health.

"We have a dedicated multidisciplinary team at the hospital 24/7 to care for stroke patients," said Dr. Nima. "We're committed to excellence for our patients and their loved ones."

The journey of a stroke patient

So what exactly happens after someone calls 911 for a suspected stroke?

Call 911!

A stroke is an emergency. If you notice stroke symptoms, act immediately. BE FAST!

EMS alerts the Comprehensive Stroke Center

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrives to pick up the patient. They alert the Comprehensive Stroke Center, like Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville, that a possible “Code Stroke” is headed their way, and provide the estimated time of arrival and the stroke severity.

The Stroke Team is prepared and waiting for the patient

At the hospital, the Stroke Team in the Emergency Department begins preparing before the patient arrives. When the patient arrives, the team is ready and takes the patient directly to get a CT scan.

A neurologist emergently determines a stroke diagnosis

The dedicated on-call vascular neurologist and stroke team view images of the brain in real time, assess the patient and diagnose the stroke. Depending on the type of stroke and elapsed time, the vascular neurologist makes treatment decisions, such as providing clot-busting therapy. Then, if necessary, sends notification to the neurointerventionalist for a possible thrombectomy. Because time is of the essence, these events are done in parallel rather than sequentially to avoid unnecessary delays in treatment.

The patient is rushed to the Angio Suite

If the stroke is caused by a large arterial blockage, the patient is rushed to the Angio Suite, a dedicated space for stroke procedures, where a pre-notified OR team and neurointerventionalist are waiting to perform a medical thrombectomy. During this minimally invasive procedure, the blood clot is removed from the brain through small access in the patient’s groin, restoring blood flow to the brain.

The patient is moved to a Neuro ICU

The patient is transported to a Neuro Intensive Care Unit for monitoring and recovery by a specialized team.

A long-term recovery plan is developed

A multidisciplinary team, including the Stroke Team, Neuro ICU team and other specialists, initiate secondary stroke prevention and plan long-term recovery, including rehab.

The patient is provided long-term support

Patients are referred to the Stroke Clinic for follow up, connect with navigators via phone and can participate in Baptist Health's stroke support group, "Brainstormers."

Call 911 if you or your loved one experiences signs or symptoms of stroke.

The Stroke & Cerebrovascular Center at Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville is a Joint Commission-Certified Comprehensive Stroke Center dedicated to the rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke. To learn more, visit baptistjax.com/stroke.

After 911

High-quality stroke care