Know Stroke Podcast: UC physician discusses mobile stroke unit
Since August 2020, the UC Health mobile stroke unit has been bringing emergency department-level care directly to patients.
The specially designed ambulance is outfitted with a number of tools including a CT scanner, clot-busting medication and an iPad to consult in real time with a doctor reading the scans.
The University of Cincinnati's Christopher T. Richards, MD, recently joined the Know Stroke Podcast to discuss the past, present and future of mobile stroke units.
"It really is a way to bring the emergency department to the patient’s curbside where we can provide that acute evaluation and usually treatment for patients with acute stroke," said Richards, assistant professor in the University of Cincinnati's Department of Emergency Medicine in the College of Medicine, medical director of the UC Health Mobile Stroke Unit and a UC Health emergency physician.
Research has shown mobile stroke units to improve patient outcomes by delivering care more quickly and to be cost effective, Richards said. Continued research will work to optimize when and where it is best to utilize mobile stroke units.
The mobile stroke unit is not effective if it is not on the scene to begin with, so Richards said using precise language, such as "I think my mom is having a stroke," when calling 911 is helpful to confirm the mobile stroke unit is needed.
Listen to the Know Stroke Podcast.
Featured photo at top of UC Health's mobile stroke unit courtesy of UC Health.
Remember how to identify a stroke
Because of the quick onset of stroke, it is important to know the FAST mnemonic device that details the most common signs of stroke and how to respond:
- F: Facial drooping
- A: Arm or leg drop, or weakness in the arm or leg
- S: Speech issues, such as slurred speech or an inability to get your words out
- T: Time is of the essence; call 911 immediately
Related Stories
Know Stroke Podcast: UC physician discusses mobile stroke unit
April 28, 2023
The University of Cincinnati's Christopher T. Richards, MD, was a recent guest on the Know Stroke Podcast to discuss mobile stroke units and where research is headed to improve care.
WLWT: UC hosts RESET epilepsy trial
May 3, 2023
WLWT spoke with the University of Cincinnati's Brandon Foreman about a clinical trial testing a new treatment for status epilepticus, the most severe and deadly form of epilepsy.
Spectrum News: Mobile stroke unit getting treatment to patients faster
September 15, 2023
Spectrum News recently highlighted the work of the UC Health mobile stroke unit that brings stroke care to patients faster and helped treat local patient Don Mundy.
MedPage Today: Individual EMS agencies vary in stroke case documentation
December 22, 2022
The University of Cincinnati's Christopher Richards, MD, co-authored an accompanying editorial to new research that showed high variability in the way EMS agencies document stroke cases, which was recently featured by MedPage Today.
Identifying how inflammation affects stroke recovery
October 6, 2022
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati are leading the CAPSTONE study that will learn more about how inflammation affects patient recovery after intracerebral hemorrhage strokes.
Epilepsy trial studies new drug to treat severe seizures
April 19, 2023
The University of Cincinnati is one of 50 nationwide trial sites for a new clinical trial testing a new treatment for status epilepticus, the most severe and deadly form of epilepsy.
Jacksonville media: New stroke research aims to help predict recovery
April 18, 2023
Jacksonville, Florida television news station WJXT highlighted the VERIFY study being led by University of Cincinnati researchers that will examine if certain biomarkers can predict the likelihood that a patient will recover motor functions following a stroke.
WVXU: UC study tests tongue exercises to improve swallowing function after stroke
January 11, 2024
WVXU highlighted a new trial at the University of Cincinnati that will test an at-home tongue endurance exercise to improve patients’ swallowing function after a stroke.
Neurology Advisor: Infective endocarditis-related stroke more associated with IV drug use
March 29, 2023
Neurology Advisor highlighted research from the University of Cincinnati that found rates of infective endocarditis-related stroke in the United States increased with affected patients more likely to be intravenous drug users.
U.S. News: New form of levodopa might improve Parkinson's care
April 27, 2023
National outlets including U.S. News & World Report highlighted research presented by the University of Cincinnati's Alberto Espay on promising new treatments for Parkinson's disease.