UF Health has created Florida’s first 24-hour mobile stroke unit.
The vehicle is “a primary stroke center on wheels,” according to Lindsey Perrotta, the stroke program manager at UF Health, Jacksonville.
In partnership with the Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department, the initiative was done to expedite stroke care.
“What will happen is we will receive these patients that have acute stroke symptoms, we can provide Tenecteplase, which is clot-busting medication, we can manage blood pressures, we can treat hemorrhagic strokes if someone has a massive bleed, and we can provide keratin as well to make sure we don't cause any more damage to the brain,” Perrotta said.
UF Heath’s vascular neurology team plays a pivotal role in the process through carrying out immediate tele assessments for the patients. After the fact, they use an AI platform for assessing veins and making a clinical decision about where to take the patient, depending upon the severity.
“It’s a really amazing community asset,” Perrotta said.
“Our goal is (that) we are really trying to partner with Nassau County Fire Rescue and provide mutual aid to Nassau County, so if people in this community end up having a stroke, they don't have to travel so far out.”
In doing so, the UF Health stroke unit would ensure that the Nassau County Fire Rescue doesn't have to leave their territory or residents for an extended period of time.
“We will just take them off their hands, provide treatment right then and there, and then transport them either to the closest comprehensive stroke center or their preference depending on the stability of the patient,” she said.
The UF health vehicle is the only mobile stroke unit in the state and one of few in the nation that operates 24/7.