With hospitals around the country reporting a recent drop in the number of stroke cases arriving in their emergency rooms, health experts suspect that fear of COVID-19 may be causing people to avoid going to the hospital and calling 911 for non-COVID related medical emergencies, like stroke.

EMS can help by educating patients and the general public about the importance of calling 911 for help when people are experiencing symptoms of stroke. Here are the latest resources:

• Stroke Severity in Patients Tool
• Get Ahead of Stroke webpage
  
• Stroke Urgency Toolkit  
• Other Downloadable Stroke Resources
• BE FAST Handout/Poster
• Patient Brochure

Visit OverReact2Stroke to view resources for healthcare professionals.

From the Get Ahead of Stroke Campaign:

• One of the most effective ways to educate people about the lifesaving treatment that stroke patients can access at Level 1 stroke centers is to hear from those patients directly. Patient stories help dispel myths about stroke (e.g., It only happens to older people), educate people when and how to seek help (e.g., Call 911 right away), and connect people to the reality that recovery from stroke—even at an advanced age—is possible.
• Since our campaign started in 2016, we have invested time in capturing these stories and bringing them to life on our website. For several, we even have video—either in interview format or animation—so visitors to www.getaheadofstroke.org or our social media platforms can see and hear from those who lived to tell their stroke story.
• Constituents matter to decision-makers and bringing their voices forward can influence whether legislative changes that can improve stroke systems of care in their state are embraced or rejected. That’s why our campaign is calling on our partners within the states where we are currently seeding change to help us gather these patient experiences. You and your networks are an essential part of a successful state legislative strategy. 
• If you know a stroke patient or a family member—including pediatric stroke—who has a compelling story and would be willing to share it, we invite you to reach out to the campaign today. We are specifically interested in stories involving a severe stroke known as an emergent large vessel occlusion, as this kind of stroke is most life-threatening and is the focal point for our campaign. Contact my colleague LeAnne DeFrancesco at ldefrancesco@vancomm.com with the specifics, including patient contact information, if permissible.