Penn. rescue squad debuts Mobile Stroke Unit
The MSU features telemedicine capabilities, a CT scanner and will be staffed with certified personnel to treat patients in the field known as the "Brain Rescue Team"
By EMS1 Staff
BENSALEM, Penn. — Jefferson Health and Bensalem Rescue Squad debuted a new Mobile Stroke Unit earlier this month equipped with telemedicine capabilities and a CT scanner, and will be staffed by certified personnel called the “Brain Rescue Team.”
According to a press release, the MSU is the first of its kind in the region and will serve the 68,000 residents of Bensalem Township and surrounding areas. The unit will also work with emergency medical services, the Jefferson Expert Telestroke (JET) physician team and medical command physicians in the county.
“The mission of the MSU is to expedite the diagnosis and treatment of stroke through the delivery of ‘clot-busting’ – or thrombolytic – drugs, which must be administered within hours of when symptoms began,” John Roussis, director of the Mobile Stroke Unit, said.
Being able to provide adequate care quickly is the key to saving stroke victims, according to Robert H. Rosenwasser, MD, professor and department chair of neurological surgery at Thomas Jefferson University.
“Every minute counts,” he said. “Early treatment can save lives, reduce disability and improve patient outcomes, which is why we’re pleased to be able to serve this community with such a valuable resource.”
Introducing the New Mobile Stroke UnitStroke is the leading cause of serious long-term disability, but early treatment can save lives. The goal of our new Mobile Stroke Unit (MSU) from the Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience - Jefferson Health and Bensalem EMS, is to shorten the time between the onset of stroke-like symptoms and the delivery of “clot-busting” drugs to improve patient outcomes.
Posted by Jefferson Health on Thursday, May 16, 2019
