By Margeaux Long, RN
When a medical emergency occurs, human instinct often forces us to act swiftly. Recently in Livingston County, in an increasing number of cases, that instinct has stroke patients driving themselves to the hospital.
These patients may believe they are doing the right thing, but the fact is that patients are more likely to have profoundly negative health outcomes if they are transported by anything other than an ambulance.
What is a stroke?
Before we get into why driving yourself to the hospital during a stroke is such a detriment, let me give you some background on what a stroke is and what it does to the body.
Strokes occur when vessels carrying essential nutrients to the brain are obstructed or ruptured, leading to rapid cell deterioration and potential disabilities, such as the inability to talk or move one side of your body, to name a couple. When you think someone may be having a stroke, always remember the acronym “BEFAST,” which stands for:
- Balance
- Eyesight changes
- Face drooping
- Arm weakness
- Speech difficulty
- Time to call 9-1-1
Factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and tobacco use heighten susceptibility to having a stroke. Strokes are the fifth leading cause of death in the United States, as well as the No. 1 cause of disability. A stroke is a significant health event in which care should be sought right away.
Why driving yourself to the hospital is not the best choice
Recent trends in our community reveal a troubling rise in stroke patients transporting themselves to a hospital. Not only does this heighten the risk of complications, but it jeopardizes prompt access to specialized care that is needed immediately.
By calling 9-1-1, patients ensure timely transportation to facilities equipped to administer necessary interventions. This is particularly important because not all hospitals offer crucial interventions, like administering clot-busting drugs or performing thrombectomies, for example. Additionally, when calling 9-1-1, EMS will contact the hospital you are being taken to so the team is prepared for your arrival. They will even provide necessary care for you during the drive to the hospital, saving even more time when you arrive.
Being properly triaged in the event of a stroke is of the utmost importance. Simply put, time is brain.
The urgency of proper stroke care cannot be overstated. I urge you or your loved ones in the event of a stroke to prioritize long-term well-being and call 9-1-1 immediately. Remember, when it comes to a stroke, every second counts, and every decision matters.
To learn more about strokes, visit trinityhealthmichigan.org/stroke.
Margeaux Long, RN, is the Stroke Program Coordinator for Trinity Health Livingston, as well as Trinity Health Ann Arbor and Chelsea Hospital.
