Gothenburg Health, EMS Partner For Mock Stroke Drill

Gothenburg Health staff practices new stroke protocol during a mock drill. (Photo courtesy Gothenburg Health)
Gothenburg Health staff practices new stroke protocol during a mock drill. (Photo courtesy Gothenburg Health)

Gothenburg Health and local emergency responders worked together in June to practice how they respond to stroke patients, with a focus on saving time and improving care when every minute matters.

The one-hour mock drill took place at Gothenburg Health and included a full simulation of a stroke emergency. The exercise started with EMS crews assessing a patient in the field, followed by transport to the hospital and activation of the hospital’s stroke response team.

The drill was created by the hospital’s Emergency Preparedness Committee after leaders saw a need to practice responding to serious, life-threatening emergencies. Stroke care is highly time-sensitive, and even small delays can affect recovery.

One change tested during the drill was a new process that allows EMS crews to decide, whil…