EMS Training Opportunity - Advanced Stroke Life Support (ASLS)

Provider: Colorado Cardiac CPR

Date/Time: Wed April 16, 2025 / 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Location: Northwest Denver / Wheat Ridge

Address: 3798 Marshall Street, Suite 2, Wheat Ridge CO, 80033

Class Price: $149.00

Description: The American Heart Association's (AHA) ASLS course builds on the foundation of lifesaving skills; aiming to educate prehospital and in hospital healthcare providers to optimize the identification, evaluation and treatment of patients with acute stroke, and identify the five main stroke syndromes and relate them to pathophysiology and clinical signs. 

The course objective is to explain the importance of an organized approach to treating patients with stroke for improved patient outcomes, and describe the management goals also.

ASLS requires an Online Course prior to a 2-3 hour skill session. The skills session includes discussion, practical application and a skills test.

ASLS is appropriate for healthcare professionals in both prehospital and in-hospital settings involved in the management of acute stroke patients. 

This advanced course is ideal for:

• Stroke Coordinators
• Nursing Students and Nurses
• Advanced Practice Registered Nurses
• Paramedics and Emergency Medical Personnel
• Physicians
• Physician Assistants
• Residents and Fellows
• Medical Students
• Respiratory Therapists

Enrollment Link: https://3cpr.enrollware.com/enroll?id=11198953

Notes: For more information contact 3CPR at 720-639-2623 or Info@3Cpr.Org

Space is limited so register today.

EMS Neurological Emergencies - Different Strokes

EMS providers play a crucial role in recognizing and assessing stroke patients. Here's what they need to know about ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, as well as transient ischemic attacks (TIAs):

1. Ischemic Stroke: It occurs when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel in the brain, leading to reduced blood flow and oxygen supply. EMS providers should be aware of common symptoms like sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or understanding, and facial drooping.

2. Hemorrhagic Stroke: This type of stroke happens when a blood vessel bursts, causing bleeding into the brain. EMS providers should look for signs such as a severe headache, vomiting, altered consciousness, and neck stiffness. Rapid recognition and transport to a specialized stroke center are critical.

3. Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Often referred to as a "mini-stroke," a TIA is caused by a temporary disruption of blood flow to the brain. Symptoms are similar to an ischemic stroke but usually resolve within 24 hours. EMS providers should consider TIAs as warning signs of a future stroke and ensure prompt medical evaluation.

To recognize the difference between these conditions, EMS providers should assess the patient's symptoms, their medical history, and conduct a thorough neurological examination. They should also obtain a detailed timeline of symptom onset and duration. It's important to remember that differentiating stroke types accurately is challenging in the prehospital setting, and prompt transport to a stroke center is crucial regardless of the stroke type suspected.

EMS providers should follow established stroke protocols, initiate appropriate interventions, provide supportive care, and communicate with the receiving hospital to facilitate optimal stroke management. Regular training and staying updated on the latest guidelines will enhance their ability to recognize and assess stroke patients effectively. 

EMS Mnemonics - BE FAST

EMS providers should be familiar with the BE FAST mnemonic as it relates to stroke recognition and assessment. BE FAST helps us identify common stroke symptoms and prompt appropriate action.

Here's what EMS providers need to know:

B - Balance: Check if the person has a sudden loss of balance or coordination. Watch for stumbling, difficulty walking, or a sudden onset of dizziness.

E - Eyes: Look for sudden vision changes, such as blurred or double vision, or vision loss in one or both eyes. Ask the person if they are experiencing any visual disturbances.

F - Face: Ask the person to smile and check for facial drooping or asymmetry. A lopsided smile or drooping on one side of the face is a potential sign of a stroke.

A - Arms: Have the person raise both arms and observe if one arm drifts downward or cannot be held up. Weakness or numbness in one arm or hand is indicative of a stroke.

S - Speech: Listen for slurred or garbled speech. Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase and watch for difficulty speaking or understanding. Incoherent or abnormal speech may suggest a stroke.

T - Time: Time is critical in stroke cases. If any of the above symptoms are present, please note when they started. The sooner the person receives medical attention, the better their chances of receiving appropriate treatment.

By using the BE FAST mnemonic, EMS providers can quickly assess stroke symptoms and initiate appropriate care. It's important to remember that this is a screening tool and not a definitive diagnosis. Timely transportation to a stroke center is crucial for further evaluation and treatment.