ModuleDraftEmergency

Persona: EMS/Paramedics — prehospital stroke protocol essentials (recognition + routing)

EMS-focused learning module: stroke recognition, BE-FAST/FAST, last known well, glucose check, destination/routing concepts, and handoff essentials.

ClinicianClinicianIntermediate20 minClinical (pro)

Educational only

Educational only — EMS routing and protocols vary by region and medical direction.

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Suspected stroke is time-critical: activate local stroke protocol immediately, document last known well time, obtain glucose, manage airway/breathing/circulation, and route per regional destination policy/medical direction.

Key takeaways

  • Perform high-quality prehospital stroke recognition
  • Document last known well reliably
  • Identify immediate reversible mimics (glucose)
  • Deliver a clean, time-saving handoff

Recognition

  • FAST/BE-FAST
  • Posterior circulation red flags
  • Don’t delay activation

Key data to capture

  • Last known well
  • Anticoagulant/antiplatelet history
  • Baseline function
  • Witness contact

Immediate checks

  • Glucose
  • Vitals
  • Airway risk

Routing concepts

  • Stroke center capability
  • Possible LVO severity scales (concept)
  • Time-to-EVT considerations

Handoff template

  • Onset/LKW
  • Findings
  • Vitals/glucose
  • Meds
  • Any change en route

Practice check

What you’ll practice

These questions are untimed. After you answer all of them, you’ll see your score and a clear next lesson or reference step.

0 of 3 answered

Question 1

1. The most important time datum for EMS stroke handoff is…

Question 2

2. Checking glucose can identify a reversible stroke mimic.

Question 3

3. A good EMS handoff should include…

References

  1. Tier 1
    AHA/ASA 2026 Guideline for Early Management of AIS
  2. Tier 4
    NINDS Know Stroke (FAST + signs)