How the mobile stroke unit delivers better care

• When a caller to 911 reports stroke-like symptoms, the Mobile Stroke Unit can be sent to respond along with an ambulance and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) team.
• The EMS team completes a stroke assessment; if they suspect a stroke, the Mobile Stroke Unit team takes over.
• An on-board computed tomography (CT) scanner can take detailed pictures of the brain. The images are sent electronically to a radiologist for review. The radiologist then calls a neurologist to review the findings with them.
• Within the Mobile Stroke Unit, a video and audio link with the neurologist allows the care team to complete the assessment of the patient.
• If the neurologist determines that the patient is experiencing stroke, the team can immediately begin treatment while they take the patient to the hospital.
• The process can greatly reduce time to treatment, which is a key factor in a patient’s recovery from stroke.

The Mobile Stroke Unit team includes:

• Northwestern Medicine neurologist (via audio and video link)
• Critical care nurse
• CT technician
• Emergency medical technician driver
• Critical care paramedic
• Radiologist or neuroradiologist

The Central DuPage Hospital Mobile Stroke Unit may be dispatched through 911 to the following communities if stroke is suspected:

Primary: Bartlett, Carol Stream, Glenside, Glen Ellyn, Hanover Park, Roselle, Warrenville, West Chicago, Wheaton and Winfield
Intercept: Batavia, Big Rock, Elburn, Fermi Lab, Fox River & Countryside, Geneva, North Aurora, South Elgin, St. Charles and Sugar Grove