Redland Hospital teams have taken part in a hands-on simulation to assess how well they respond when someone arrives at the Emergency Department with stroke symptoms.
The training exercise involved staff from emergency, radiology and medical teams and was supported by the Angels Initiative – an international organisation that works to improve stroke care.
The simulation followed a mock patient from the waiting room through to CT scan, and then to a treatment area, just like in a real emergency.
Emergency Department Senior Medical Officer Dominik Rutz said the exercise helped identify what was working and where things could be better.
“It was a great way for everyone to practise in a safe environment and look at where we can save time and work better together for our patients,” he said.
This was the first of several stroke simulations planned to help ensure patients get fast, safe care when every minute counts.
Do you know the signs of stroke?
The Stroke Foundation recommends the F.A.S.T. test as an easy way to remember the most common signs of stroke. Using the F.A.S.T. test involves asking these simple questions:
- Face Check their face. Has their mouth drooped?
- Arms Can they lift both arms?
- Speech Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?
- Time Is critical. If you see any of these signs call 000 straight away.