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Mobile Stroke Unit
When a stroke happens, every minute matters. That鈥檚 why 华体会 Central DuPage Hospital has implemented a state-of-the-art Mobile Stroke Unit to bring stroke care to the patient.
The Mobile Stroke Unit is a specialized ambulance equipped with tools and staff normally only found inside a hospital. This unit is the first of its kind in Illinois, and one of the first in the world.
How the mobile stroke unit delivers better care
- When a caller to 911 reports stroke-like symptoms, the Mobile Stroke Unit can be sent to respond along with an ambulance and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) team.
- The EMS team completes a stroke assessment; if they suspect a stroke, the Mobile Stroke Unit team takes over.
- An on-board computed tomography (CT) scanner can take detailed pictures of the brain. The images are sent electronically to a radiologist for review. The radiologist then calls a neurologist to review the findings with them.
- Within the Mobile Stroke Unit, a video and audio link with the neurologist allows the care team to complete the assessment of the patient.
- If the neurologist determines that the patient is experiencing stroke, the team can immediately begin treatment while they take the patient to the hospital.
- The process can greatly reduce time to treatment, which is a key factor in a patient’s recovery from stroke.
The Mobile Stroke Unit team includes:
- 华体会 neurologist (via audio and video link)
- Critical care nurse
- CT technician
- Emergency medical technician driver
- Critical care paramedic
- Radiologist or neuroradiologist
The Central DuPage Hospital Mobile Stroke Unit may be dispatched through 911 to the following communities if stroke is suspected:
Primary: Bartlett, Carol Stream, Glenside, Glen Ellyn, Hanover Park, Roselle, Warrenville, West Chicago, Wheaton and Winfield
Intercept: Batavia, Big Rock, Elburn, Fermi Lab, Fox River & Countryside, Geneva, North Aurora, South Elgin, St. Charles and Sugar Grove