New Ohio Law Improves Triage and Transport Of Stroke Patients

If you suspect a loved one of having a stroke you have to act FAST, that means look out for  face drooping, arm weakness and  speech difficulty. If you see all of those warnings, it's time to call 9-1-1. 

That's the mneumonic the American Stroke Association recommends people memorize, to help stroke patients get into treatment quickly, because time equals brain function. That means, immediate treatment may minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death.  

Ok, so maybe you called 9-1-1 quickly to get your loved one to the hospital. What happens next? 

In the usual case, the ambulance comes to take your loved one to a hospital for treatment. But in many cases, patients are delivered to a hospital that may indeed be closest to you, but isn't neccessarily equipped to treat the patients particular severity of stroke. That means wasting time sending the patient to a second, or even third hospital, that can offer the proper treatment. 

Last week, following years of lobbying by doctors, stroke survivors and advocates, Governor Mike Dewine signed a bill into law that will improve how first responders triage and transport stroke patients to the right facilities the first time. We'll discuss this new law with a Cleveland Clinic doctor on The Sound of Ideas. 

Later this hour, we'll talk with a Cleveland State University professor about the high inflation trend, and what it means for everyday consumers.

Then, we'll talk to Ideastream Public Media's Matt Richmond about a recent Ohio Supreme Court ruling that struck down training exemptions for armed teachers, on school grounds. 

-Andrew Russman, DO, Director of the Stroke Program and Medical Director of the Comprehensive Stroke Center, Cleveland Clinic

-Bill Kosteas, Ph.D., Economics Professor and Associate Dean, Cleveland State University

-Matt Richmond, Reporter, Ideastream Public Media