Abstract T MP50: Appropriate Stroke Team Activations Through Use of Los Angeles Pre-hospital Stroke Scale (LAPSS)

Background and Purpose: Target StrokeSM aims to reduce the Door to Needle (DTN) times to 60 minutes or less in eligible ischemic stroke patients. They advocate Emergency Medical Service (EMS) pre-notification, a rapid triage protocol,stroke team notification, and a single call activation system1. Prior to February 2013 the Stroke Team averaged 92.8 Stroke Team Activations monthly. This volume placed a burden on the Stroke Team and ancillary departments. DeLuca and colleagues noted a possible criticism of Stroke Code in that patients with symptoms mimicking a stroke may overload the stroke personnel2. We set out to decrease unnecessary stroke team activations without missing an opportunity to treat an eligible patient. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on all Stroke Team Activations between February and July 2012. We identified the volume of cancelled activations, number of patients too late or symptoms too mild, stroke mimics and treatments provided. The Los Angeles Pre-hospital Stroke S...