It’s Stroke Awareness Month and Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) is celebrating 10 years of Code Stroke. We are highlighting the dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to provide timely and effective care for stroke patients. Meet Carolyn Rubin, Charge Technologist of CT and the CT Technologist team.
What is your position at the hospital?
My name is Carolyn Rubin and I am the Charge Technologist of CT. I have been in this role for almost as long as the Code Stroke, and was an integral part of setting up the CT portion.
What role does your team play in Code Stroke?
The CT technologists are responsible for performing the Code Stroke CT imaging within 10 minutes of Code Stroke being called. We are regulated, trained professionals who are responsible for obtaining the CT images.
How does your team impact stroke patient care?
These images are vital in deciding the treatment for stroke patients. We perform a non-contrast brain scan to determine whether it is a hemorrhagic or embolic stroke; this contributes to treatment decision-making. We then perform a perfusion scan of the brain to assess blood flow, which helps identify areas with reduced blood supply. The last set of CT images is a carotid angiogram to look for occlusions (clots). This imaging is essential to determine whether or not the patient is a candidate for EVT. This imaging has a significant impact on deciding the stroke patient’s diagnosis and treatment.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your profession as it relates to Code Stroke/stroke care?
It is gratifying to know that we are an essential part of such an important team.