EMS A to Z: Stroke Screening Scores Show Notes:

From your hosts, Dr. Josh Gaither, Dr. Amber Rice, and Dr. Rachel Munn

• Follow your Stroke Administrative Guideline!
• If a stroke is suspected, first perform a Cincinnati Prehospital Screening Scale:
  • If positive perform a VAN.
  • VAN positive
    • Greater than 4 hours of symptom onset: transport to Comprehensive Stroke Center (Banner UMC or TMC).
    • Within 4 hours of symptom onset: transport to nearest Stroke Center (patient may still be tPA candidate).
  • VAN negative
    • Transport to the nearest Stroke Center.
  • See this reference from CoreEM for performing a VAN screen.
  • Don’t forget to consider and evaluate for stroke mimics (like hypoglycemia).