A Life-Changing Emergency

In a gripping tale of survival, Ann Itchon will forever remember the deafening thud as her husband, Ted, collapsed in their bathroom. It was the early hours of January 23, 2024, when Ted woke up needing the restroom and lost his balance. Ann rushed to his side and called 911, unaware that her husband was experiencing a stroke—a condition that could threaten his very life.

Speedy Response Saves Lives

By the time Ann left their home and reached the emergency room, medical professionals had already sprung into action. First responders quickly assessed Ted's condition and administered crucial stroke-stopping medication, preventing irreversible damage to his brain. Dr. Paul Johnson, a leading neurologist and medical director at Intermountain Medical Center, emphasized the critical nature of time during a stroke. "For every second that passes, 32,000 neurons perish. It's a race against time—every minute could mean permanent brain injury," he stated.

Utah's Rapid Rise to the Top

In an impressive feat, Utah has been recognized by the American Heart Association for delivering the fastest stroke treatment in the nation. An astonishing 87.1% of stroke patients in Utah receive life-saving medication within 45 minutes of arrival—far surpassing the national benchmark of 60 minutes. Intermountain Health revealed that 94.5% of its stroke patients are treated within this rapid time frame, with nearly nine in ten receiving care in just 30 minutes.

Innovative Practices Lead to Faster Treatment

Dr. Johnson credits this remarkable achievement to innovative practices implemented by Intermountain Health. By having medications pre-mixed, expediting CT scans, and refining emergency department workflows, they have made swift treatment a reality. With stroke neurologists on call 24/7, patients can receive timely diagnosis and intervention consistently.

Accuracy is Key in Stroke Treatment

When patients like Ted arrive at the hospital, it’s imperative that medical staff accurately diagnose a stroke before proceeding with treatment. They must also verify the patient's medical history to ensure safe administration of stroke medications. In Ted’s case, doctors performed a thrombectomy to remove blood clots from his arteries in addition to the medication.

A Remarkable Recovery

Thanks to the swift response of his specialized stroke team, Ted Itchon experienced a miraculous recovery. Just four days after his stroke, he returned home. Although he still needed outpatient therapy for speech and mobility, he feels grateful that most people he encounters don’t even realize he suffered a stroke.

Understanding Stroke Risks and Prevention

With strokes as the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S., knowledge is power. Dr. Johnson highlights the importance of recognizing stroke symptoms: Remember the acronym BEFAST—Balance issues, Eye problems, Facial droop, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, and Time to call for help. Knowing this can save lives!

Be Prepared: It Could Save a Life!

For families, having detailed medical histories and current medication lists ready can speed up a stroke patient's treatment significantly. Many individuals may struggle to communicate effectively during a stroke, making it vital for family members to be informed.

The Path to Prevention

While not all strokes are preventable, Dr. Johnson asserts that up to 80% can be avoided with proper management of risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking. Staying proactive about health can be the best defense.