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Tenn. passes bill to improve stroke response

The legislation directs EMS agencies to establish protocol for prehospital assessment and treatment of stroke patients

By EMS1 Staff

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A Tennessee bill that establishes protocol for prehospital stroke assessment and treatment was recently passed into law.

According to a press release, the bill directs EMS agencies to coordinate with hospitals to establish protocols such as educating responders on how to identify severe stroke patients who are experiencing an emergent large vessel occlusion.

“This legislation is the next step forward in creating a comprehensive stroke system of care throughout the state,” Sen. Bill Ketron said. “This will ensure stroke patients get to the best stroke center as quickly as possible, and it brings Tennessee one step closer to improving stroke care.”

The legislation aims to reduce disability and death in stroke patients by ensuring they are transported to the proper facilities.

“ELVO patients, like trauma patients, must receive immediate specialized care if they are to be saved,” Dr. Adam Arthur said. “These new protocols will greatly improve the odds of patients with the deadliest type of stroke having their stroke reversed, sometimes enabling them to walk out of the hospital within a few days. We hope more states follow suit.”

HB1156 by Ed Praetorian on Scribd

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