As we know “TIME is BRAIN” so early recognition of stroke is vital so BE FAST!
Triage
- Patients with sudden (<24 hr) neurological symptoms of stroke using BE FAST test
- Category 2
CRH
- Stroke team on site 24/7 – Call to attend ED
HRI
- IN Hours (08:00-17:00)
- Assessment of patient ie pulse, BP and GCS by A/E staff nurse
- Referral to stroke Nurse on phone (CRH 3432)
- Transfer to Stroke assessment bed (SAB) at CRH – Request for YAS category IFAT 3, urgent non-blue light
- Assessment by Stroke Nurse & Stroke Physician on SAB including CT head
- Admit to ASU or follow the SAB pathway in A/E.
- Out of Hours (17:00-08:00)
- Assessment of patient ie pulse, BP and GCS by A/E staff nurse
- Transfer to CRH A/E –Request for YAS category IFAT 3, urgent non-blue light
- Joint assessment by A/E medic and Stroke Nurse with CT head, discuss with Stroke Physician on call, if in doubt.
- Admit to ASU or refer patient to medical team on call at CRH
Other useful stuff
- Not all “Vertigo in ED” is stroke – here
- Carotid/Vertebral dissection – here
- Primary intracerebral bleed – here
- RCEM CPD 2019 (studies)- here