Memphis mobile stroke unit brings services to those in need

Nicholas Leider | | Cardiovascular Business | Vascular & Endovascular

Memphis, in the heart of the stroke belt, has a new weapon in decreasing the time it takes to deliver life-saving care.

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center began using a 14-ton ambulance in 2016 as part of a three-year controlled study. In the past 12 months, the unit has transported 171 patients and delivered 35 doses of alteplase. The ambulance also delivers more the patients more quickly.

“The emergency room on average takes 40 to 50 minutes to do the things we do in 13 to 14 minutes," said Andrei Alexandrov, UTHSC neurology professor, chairman of the neurology department and medical director of the stroke unit team. “From the very first day it was very clear that this was winning technology."

See the full story here:

One year later: Mobile stroke unit saving time, lives in Memphis

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Nicholas Leider, Managing Editor

Nicholas joined TriMed in 2016 as the managing editor of the Chicago office. After receiving his master’s from Roosevelt University, he worked in various writing/editing roles for magazines ranging in topic from billiards to metallurgy. Currently on Chicago’s north side, Nicholas keeps busy by running, reading and talking to his two cats.

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