Tip: If you are with a loved one, and you suspect a stroke (know the signs [1]), mention this to 911 or your version of emergency services dispatch. In some health systems, where available [2], they will send a mobile stroke unit [3] along to more rapidly triage and stabilize the patient until they can have an intervention performed. You must know if the stroke is a blockage (ischemic) or a hemorrhagic (bleeding out); treatments for one can kill those experiencing the other. With a stroke, time is crucial.

It only takes ~15 minutes to call where elderly loved ones live to inquire about mobile stroke unit availability. Please consider making the time to inquire, so you and their support network know.

[1] https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/signs-symptoms/index.html

[2] https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/STROKEAHA.121.037376

[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_stroke_unit