In Canada, someone has a stroke every five minutes.
The Northwestern Ontario Regional Stroke Network (NWORSN) is a team that works together with partners across the region for better stroke care. The network addresses needs in the communities across the stroke continuum – prevention, timely access to care, life-saving treatments, systems within the hospitals and rehabilitation. The network’s vision is “FEWER STROKES, BETTER OUTCOMES”.
Why is calling 911 (or your local emergency number) so important?
Calling your emergency services number immediately is vital to ensure that people receive timely access to care and treatment. “We need to be aware of the benefits of calling 9-1-1 and the expertise that first responders and paramedics bring to stroke care,” states Dr. Hassan, Medical Lead for the Northwestern Ontario Regional Stroke Network. “They are trained to recognize the signs of stroke and treat the patient quickly”. Recognition of a potential stroke starts an alert system with the dispatcher and EMS team. This ensures the right people are ready on arrival to act quickly to reduce or eliminate permanent effects of a stroke.
Why is it time so important?
When it comes to stroke treatment options, minutes matter. Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre is the primary centre in Northwestern Ontario for Stroke Care, which includes the Regional Stroke Unit and one of 11 sites across the province for endovascular treatment (EVT). With the large geographical region, we want to ensure there is no delay in accessing stroke care. Delays can result in a worse outcome as the longer the brain is without blood, the more damage is done.
How do I recognize stroke?
FAST: Face-Is it drooping? Arms-Can you raise both? Speech-Is it slurred or jumbled? And Time, to call 911 or your local emergency number.
A stroke can be mild, moderate or severe which is why FAST evaluation and treatment is essential. Do not delay stroke care. Emergency medical care will always be available at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre for those who need it.
Remember to act FAST because minutes matter.
For more information, visit our website at www.nwostroke.ca
Author: NWORSN Team
Reference:
Secondary Prevention of Stroke: https://www.strokebestpractices.ca/recommendations/secondary-prevention-of-stroke
World Stroke Organization (WSO): Global Stroke Fact Sheet 2022: https://www.world-stroke.org/news-and-blog/news/wso-global-stroke-fact-sheet-2022
Heart & Stroke – Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences