Pilot project in N.B. that improves emergency response time for stroke patients seeing early success
A pilot project working to improve the time it takes for potential stroke patients to receive a Computed Tomography (CT) scan after they arrive at the emergency department in New Brunswick has been successful in its early stages, according to Horizon Health.
The pilot project from Horizon Health Network and Ambulance New Brunswick has helped reduce the time to below the national standard, according to the announcement from Horizon Health on Wednesday.
Taking place at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital in Fredericton, the project has changed the average time from arrival to receiving a CT scan at the hospital to 14 minutes, down from an average of 67 minutes prior to the implementation of the project. The response time now beats the national standard of 15 minutes.
The vice president of Clinical Operations at Horizon Health, Greg Doiron, says getting quick access to CT scans is critical for those who may be experiencing a stroke.
“When someone is having a stroke, they only have four-and-a-half hours to receive treatment before there is permanent damage,” said Doiron. “Receiving a CT scan is only the first part in diagnosing stroke, so the significant reduction in time will greatly increase chances of survival and recovery for our patients.”
The focus of the new process is “efficiencies to improve preparedness.” Once paramedics identify someone as a potential stroke victim based on symptoms, they alert emergency department staff who then enact the stroke team and find the estimated time of arrival, which ensures imaging staff are ready to perform the CT scan as soon as possible.
“Previously, when a stroke patient came in, they were triaged as a level two patient according to the Canadian Triage Acuity Scale (CTAS),” said Doiron. “Stroke patients are level two patients, but now, staff are given specifics so they can properly prep and treat patients more quickly.”
Vice president of operations for Ambulance New Brunswick, Jean-Pierre Savoie, said he is proud to collaborate with Horizon Health on the project, which has seen much success so far.
“Every minute counts in an emergency and seeing such important improvements in rapid access to CT scans for out patients has been rewarding and encouraging,” said Savoie. “We applaud Horizon on the success of this project and look forward to continuing to work together.”
The project is slated to be expanded across other Horizon Health sites in 2024-2025.
For more New Brunswick news visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
2nd woman found dead in English Bay: Vancouver police
For the second time in as many days, a woman's body was found near Vancouver's shoreline Monday.
2 Albertans accused of threatening to kill Trudeau, Freeland, Singh
Men from Edmonton and Calgary are accused of threatening to kill some of Canada's top government leaders.
Athletes show off stylish and expensive team clothing for the 2024 Olympic Games
Canadian athletes attempting to reach the podium at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games will also be looking fashionable for the entire world to see.
Harris has support of enough Democratic delegates to become party's presidential nominee: AP survey
Vice-President Kamala Harris has secured the support of enough Democratic delegates to become her party's nominee against Republican Donald Trump, according to an Associated Press survey taken in the aftermath of President Joe Biden's decision to drop his bid for re-election.
Four suicides in New Zealand linked to Ontario's Kenneth Law
New Zealand's coroner has ruled that four of its citizens died after ordering products from an Ontario man who is facing murder charges for selling poisonous substances.
Toronto woman charged with voyeurism after taking 'intimate' photos during massage: police
A Toronto woman who allegedly took 'intimate' photos of an individual who was getting a massage has been charged with voyeurism, police say.
IN PICTURES Here's what Calgary's new event centre 'Scotia Place' will look like
The name of Calgary’s new event centre was unveiled on Monday. The arena will be called Scotia Place.
Harris steps into the limelight. And the coconut trees and memes have followed
If you're trying to get up to speed on Vice President Kamala Harris' swift emergence as Democrats' possible nominee this fall, you really need to know your memes.
These are the four leading vice-presidential picks for Kamala Harris' campaign
No one knows the importance of selecting the right running mate better than Vice President Kamala Harris.