Elapsed time from the onset of stroke symptoms to the point of revascularization is the key determinant of the optimal outcome of acute ischemic stroke. Pharmacological treatment is less effective if the thrombus occluding the artery is big enough and mechanical thrombectomy is required to gain recanalization. Mechanical thrombectomy can be done only in comprehensive stroke centres. There are 5 comprehensive stroke centres in Finland which causes regional inequality when it comes to reaching mechanical thrombectomy in a reasonable time limit. The aims of the study is to measure the effect of dispatching a helicopter emergency medical services unit on the treatment delays of a stroke patient with large vessel occlusion. The HEMS unit is dispatched to both: getting patient directly to the comprehensive stroke centre as well as to interfacility tranfers.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
60
Tampere University hospital
Tampere, Finland
The difference of transport times from the onset of ambulance transport to Tampere university hospital until the recording of CT Scout image
minutes
Time frame: from onset of symptoms up to 24 hours
The difference of onset to revascularisation time between the groups from the onset of symptoms (last known well) until save time of "post revascularization" image
minutes
Time frame: from onset of symptoms up to 24 hours
The time difference from the onset of symptoms (last known well) until the save time of "post revascularization" image
minutes
Time frame: from onset of symptoms up to 24 hours
90 days modified Rankin scale outcome
mRS 0-6
Time frame: telephone interview 90 days after mechanical thrombectomy
Availability of the ambulance to the next emergency medical services mission in its own region. Time to next ems mission
hours
Time frame: from the beginning of ambulance transport up to 24 hours
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