ASLS (Advanced Stroke Life Support) – Prehospital – April 2022

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course addresses the prehospital management of patients with acute stroke. The course includes a discussion of the differential diagnosis of stroke, rapid recognition of five major stroke syndromes, training in the use of the Miami Emergency Neurologic Deficit (M.E.N.D.) exam (based on the NIH Stroke Scale and incorporating the Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale), and education regarding the use of thrombolytic therapy in acute ischemic stroke patients. It uses interactive discussions, hands-on workshops, multimedia (video case-based scenarios), and standardized patient simulations (for stroke syndrome identification and disposition/management decision-making).
This course is appropriate for both new and experienced providers.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

1. Describe why early treatment of patients with acute ischemic stroke may result in a marked reduction in risk of disability
2. Identify the five main stroke syndromes and relate them to pathophysiology and clinical signs
3. Perform a focused neurologic evaluation to identify stroke, its location, and severity
4. Recognize t-PA indications and contraindications
5. Define the chain of survival and recovery for stroke using the 8 Ds
6. Describe the principles of prehospital stroke management that make up the current standard of care
7. Determine when to call a stroke alert and quickly transport the patient to the nearest appropriate facility
8. Communicate clearly and succinctly with ED personnel regarding symptoms, time of onset, neurologic exam, and t-PA contraindications.

Completion of this course will grant 8 hours of CAPCE Continuing education for EMS Professionals.

**Registration Deadline is April 11^th 2021 @ 1100hrs**