For Hub City Times

MARSHFIELD – Effective stroke care requires coordination among many partners. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) plays a key role in these efforts.

Marshfield Fire and Rescue has been recognized by the Wisconsin Department of Health Service’s Coverdell Stroke Program for becoming a Coverdell Emergency Medical Services (EMS) partner. EMS provides appropriate assessments and treatments that allow quicker care upon arrival at the hospital. EMS Services and hospitals that have coordinated their practices with community-based efforts have shown an improvement in their care of the acute stroke patient.

As a Coverdell EMS Partner, Marshfield Fire and Rescue will focus on efforts such as working to deliver stroke community education, reviewing internal protocols and practices, and work with local hospitals to provide evidence-based best practices care.

As an example, the department’s crews have added an additional assessment tool when evaluating stroke patients to help identify large vessel occlusions.