ROCKINGHAM, N.C. — FirstHealth’s acute stroke ready certified hospitals in Hoke, Montgomery and Richmond counties have launched a new “Stroke Alert Pit Crew” initiative—a high-speed, high-coordination response process modeled after NASCAR pit crews—to accelerate the care of patients experiencing stroke symptoms.
This initiative ensures that each hospital is capable of triaging for stroke, administering clot busting medication and performing advanced neuroimaging to determine whether the patient needs rapid transfer to a primary stroke center, such as Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst, for critical stroke monitoring and care or to a comprehensive stroke center for emergent clot retrieval. Time is brain and every minute matters.
“When it comes to stroke, every second counts,” said Melanie Blacker, M.D., neurohospitalist and stroke program director at FirstHealth.
“Our new Stroke Alert Pit Crew teams are trained to recognize stroke symptoms quickly, act decisively and work seamlessly to move patients where they need to be for the most advanced care.”
Each hospital’s “pit crew” is a multidisciplinary team—including EMS, telecommunications, emergency department staff, imaging, lab and pharmacy—trained to immediately activate stroke protocols the moment a patient arrives. The process includes rapid imaging, lab testing, neurologist consultation and, when needed, swift transfer to Moore Regional or the nearest comprehensive stroke center.
As a primary stroke center, Moore Regional offers advanced stroke care, including:
- A full-time neurohospitalist team
- A 24-bed dedicated neuro ICU
- Inpatient rehabilitation
- Neurosurgery services
Recognize the Signs of Stroke: BE FAST
Everyone plays a role in stroke survival, and recognizing the symptoms can save lives. Use the acronym BE FAST to spot warning signs:
- Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination
- Eyes: Sudden blurry or loss of vision in one or both eyes
- Face: Sudden numbness, one side drooping—can you smile?
- Arms: Sudden weakness or numbness in arms—can you raise both arms?
- Speech: Slurred or mumbling speech
- Time: Call 911 immediately—time is brain
“Our goal is to make sure that patients experiencing stroke symptoms can walk into any of our hospitals and receive expert care without delay,” said Staci Smith, R.N., quality stroke coordinator at FirstHealth. “The Pit Crew model ensures we’re firing on all cylinders from the moment a stroke alert is called.”
For more information about stroke care at FirstHealth or how to recognize stroke symptoms, visit www.firsthealth.org/stroke.
