Educating Paramedics on the Finger-to-Nose Test Improves Recognition of Posterior Stroke.

ABSTRACT: Background and Purpose- Emergency medical services (EMS) stroke recognition facilitates rapid care, however, prehospital stroke screening tools rely on signs that are often absent in posterior circulation strokes. We hypothesized that addition of the finger-to-nose (FTN) test to the Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale would improve EMS posterior stroke recognition. Methods- In this controlled before and after study of consecutive EMS transported posterior ischemic strokes, paramedics in a single EMS agency received in-person training in the use of the FTN test. Paramedics at 2 other local EMS agencies served as controls. We compared the change in posterior stroke recognition, door-to-CT times, and alteplase delivery between the FTN (intervention) and control agencies. Results- Over 21 mont

SUBMITTER: Oostema JA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6760309 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature