ICFR EMS Staff Complete Advanced Stroke Life Support Course

Several additional members of Inter-Canyon Fire/Rescue EMS staff have now completed the Advanced Stroke Life Support course offered through Saint Anthony's Hospital. 

Stroke is the third leading cause of death and the leading cause of disability in the U.S. 

Emergency treatments to limit the risk of disability are available but underutilized.  A practical stroke patient assessment tool suitable for routine use by EMS personnel, the Miami Emergency Neurologic Deficit Exam (MEND), is used to rapidly assess for stroke. The MEND exam training is an integral part of the ASLS course.

The MEND Exam:

• Is easy to learn, easy to use, & provides key information
• Enhances communication among EMS personnel, nurses, and physicians
• Is based on the NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS), incorporates the Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale (CPSS), and takes less than 3 minutes to perform

EMS PERSONNEL

• On scene, first perform ABCs (airway, breathing, and circulation) of emergency care
• After ABCs, perform the three step Cincinnati Pre-Hospital Stroke Scale under “D” for disability
• En route, perform full MEND Exam if time allows (but NOT on scene)

Reduce your risks for stroke:
1.  Manage hypertension
2.  Manage diabetes
3.  Quit smoking