Collaboration leads to FASTER outcomes for stroke patients
A partnership between Ambulance and the Gosford Hospital Stroke Team commenced
on 17 September 2007 to provide quicker treatment access for stroke patients.
Based on the joint venture between Ambulance and Hunter New England Health model, the FASTER (Face Arm Speech Time Emergency Retrieval) system allows for early notification by paramedics while on scene relaying information to the Gosford Hospital Neurologists and Stroke Team via Northern Operations Centre to determine the best treatment options.
If patients fit the criteria they are transported to Gosford Hospital. Stroke patients are then fast tracked through triage and the CT scanner by the Stroke Team and thrombolysis commenced if required.
This system operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
In recent studies it has been found that if tPA (tissue plasminogen activator) is given within three hours of the onset of symptoms of a stroke it is able to limit the amount of neurological deficit.
Two patients who came through the system,kindly agreed to come to the FASTER forum to talk to paramedics and the Stroke Team about their experiences. The evening educational forum held at the Gosford Hospital conference centre on Tuesday 29 January 2008 was attended by 21 paramedics.
It was rare opportunity for paramedics to meet former patients when they are fit and well, rather than needing their services. Operations Manager Allan Dent presented certificates of appreciation to the patients on the night.
The FASTER system covers the Central Coast region.
Photograph: The FASTER Forum at Gosford Hospital
Ambulance is committed to assisting the community create safer and healthier environments and outcomes by making prevention everyone’s businesses. A number of innovative community education programs have been implemented to assist identify life threatening conditions, understand what to do in an emergency and the importance of adopting illness prevention strategies.