What is an advantage of EMS transport to a stroke hospital for a patient with suspected acute ischemic stroke?

When a patient is suspected of having an acute ischemic stroke, rapid transport to a designated stroke hospital is crucial for improving outcomes. One significant advantage of EMS transport is that it allows the responding providers to stabilize critical issues while en route to the hospital.

During transport, EMS personnel are trained to assess and manage the patient's condition effectively, which can include monitoring vital signs, providing oxygen, ensuring intravenous access, and administering medications if necessary. This proactive management is essential to mitigate further neurological damage and prepare the patient for immediate treatment upon arrival at the hospital, such as thrombolytic therapy.

The other aspects, such as taking more time to prepare or performing additional tests in the ambulance, do not align with the urgent need to act quickly in stroke cases. Additionally, patients with a suspected stroke typically require admission for comprehensive evaluation and treatment, making the option regarding avoiding hospital admission irrelevant. Thus, the swift stabilization of critical issues by EMS is key to enhancing the patient’s chances of recovery.