Department of Health with State Stroke Designation
Little Rock, Ark. – The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) has recognized Baptist Health Medical Center – Van Buren as an Arkansas Stroke Ready Hospital (ArSRH).
“With stroke, every second counts. Each hour of delay in stroke treatment ages the brain four years and increases the chances of permanent disability,” said Bala Simon, MD, DrPH, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for ADH. “The ArSRH designation ensures that stroke patients make it to the closest appropriate hospital when they dial 911.”
Stroke continues to take a significant toll on our state. The most recent data for 2022 show Arkansas has the 9th highest stroke death rate in the country, with 1,774 total stroke-related deaths. Stroke remains a leading cause of serious disability. Although life-saving treatment is available to reverse the effects of the most common type of stroke, few patients receive medical care in time.
Hospitals recognized with the ArSRH designation partner with local EMS to improve outcomes by helping ensure stroke patients are rapidly transported to the most appropriate hospital. EMS providers screen patients with standardized protocols to effectively recognize stroke and make sure patients receive the right kind of care.
Arkansas’s stroke systems of care consist of Det Norse Veritas (DNV) and The Joint Commission (T JC) certified Comprehensive Stroke Centers, Primary Stroke Centers, Acute Stroke Ready Facilities, and ADH-designated ArSRHs. ArSRHs can provide time-critical care for the stroke patient, including initial emergency evaluation with real-time stroke assessment, and treatment through telemedicine.
Remembering the B.E.F.A.S.T. acronym is a way to recognize stroke and what to do when it is suspected:
B – Balance: Is there a sudden loss of balance or coordination?
E – Eyes: Is there a sudden change in vision or trouble seeing?
F – Face Drooping: Does one side of the face droop or is it numb?
A – Arm Weakness: Is one arm weak or numb?
S – Speech Difficulty: Is speech slurred, are they unable to speak, or are they hard to understand?
T – Time to call 9-1-1. If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and get them to the hospital immediately.
Visit https://healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/diseases-conditions/stroke/arkansas-stroke-ready-hospitals/ for a listing of stroke-designated hospitals in Arkansas.