UF Health mobile stroke treatment unit responds to first call

July 25, 2023

Press release from UF Health

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The only mobile stroke treatment unit in Florida hit the road and is responding to calls.

UF Health’s mobile stroke treatment unit started treating patients today. The unit is one of 20 mobile stroke programs nationwide.

The specialized vehicle is staffed with personnel from UF Health and Alachua County Fire Rescue. This includes a stroke-trained nurse, CT technician, paramedic, and EMT Driver. There is also a stroke neurologist available by direct telemedicine.

The mobile stroke treatment unit houses a diagnostic CT scanner, clot-busting drugs, medications given intravenously to lower high blood pressure, and medications used to reverse the effects of bleeding inside the brain.

Every moment counts, and studies show stroke patients experience improved clinical outcomes when treated by a mobile stroke unit. By saving precious time, the unit greatly reduces the risk of death or disability from a stroke.

This unit is the first in a UF Health fleet. UF Health will add additional vehicles in The Villages and Jacksonville.

Hope their response time is less than 4 minutes as that’s how long it takes for brain damage to occur. In the meantime….chew a whole regular aspirin immediately at the onset of symptoms to reduce coagulation and clotting. Of course….ask your doctor first especially if you’re already on a blood thinner.

I hope the victim lets the media know how much the charge is that UF Health will submit to their insurance.