Ashtabula County Medical Center | ACMC Pulse | Winter 2020-21

8 ACMC Pulse • acmchealth.org ASHTABULA COUNTY MEDICAL CENTER has received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines®– Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award. The hospital also received the Target: Stroke Elite Honor Roll Advanced Therapy award. These awards recognize the hospital’s commitment to ensuring that stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence. “ACMC is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to our stroke patients,” said ACMC Healthcare System President and CEO Michael Habowski. “The tools and resources provided in the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines–Stroke initiative help us track and measure our success in meeting evidence-based clinical guidelines developed to improve patient outcomes.” Signs and symptoms of stroke can happen in a matter of seconds. Recognizing those and getting medical treatment immediately are keys to minimizing the long-term impact of stroke. Timely treatment is especially important for a stroke caused by a blood clot. Medication can destroy the clot and restore blood flow, but it must be given within 41/2 hours of the stroke’s start. Get help fast at ACMC As the only Primary Stroke Center in Ashtabula County, ACMC has an expert team that works together to determine the best course of action for the patient. The stroke team is made up of caregivers from the Emergency Department (ED), Neurology, Radiology, Pharmacy, Laboratory and Respiratory Therapy. Even before a potential stroke patient arrives at ACMC’s ED, doctors are in communication with B—Balance Sudden trouble with balance or coordination. E—Eyes Sudden blurred or double vision or a sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes. F—Face drooping One side of the face droops or becomes numb. Ask the person to smile. A—Arm weakness Arm becomes weak or numb. Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm sag as if the person is holding something heavy? S—Speech difficulty Difficulty speaking, slurred speech or an inability to speak. Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence like, “The sky is blue.” T—Time to call 911 If a person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 911 and tell EMS to get your loved one to ACMC’s Primary Stroke Center. IS IT A STROKE? What to watch for Watching a loved one have a stroke can be frightening, but quick action can help that person receive treatment and recover faster with fewer complications. If a person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 911 and ask EMS to take your loved one to ACMC’s Emergency Department. Remember the acronym BE FAST to identify stroke symptoms. Stroke ACMC earns