BEFAST When Recognizing Signs of Stroke and Save a Life!

Do You Know the Signs of a Stroke?

When someone suffers a stroke, every minute counts. Southern New Hampshire Medical Center (SNHMC) understands this urgency and provides swift and effective care to stroke patients. In partnering with Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), SNHMC ensures that patients receive the best treatment possible, often within moments of arrival at the emergency department.

Blood clots are the most common cause of stroke, and prompt treatment can minimize brain damage. However, many patients with this type of stroke do not receive vital clot-dissolving medications, which are most beneficial when administered within four and a half hours of symptom onset. Time is brain!

Recognize the Signs: B.E. F.A.S.T.

Knowing the signs of a stroke saves lives. Quick treatment significantly improves a patient's chances of recovery. The acronym B.E.F.A.S.T. serves as a vital tool in recognizing the signs of a stroke.

Close to Home, World-Class Treatment

Southern New Hampshire Medical Center is DNV Primary Stroke Center certified based on standards set forth by the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association. This assures patients that SNHMC addresses the full spectrum of stroke care – diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and education.

Through TeleStroke technology, SNHMC's Emergency Department physicians can seamlessly transmit CT images and other test results to specialists at Massachusetts General Hospital. This innovative approach allows for rapid assessment and diagnosis, ensuring patients receive the most effective treatment plan as quickly as possible. Additionally, patients with certain types of clots can be sent to MGH for advanced treatment within the first 24 hours.

Moreover, patients may undergo virtual examinations by a Mass General acute stroke neurologist via video conferencing, further enhancing the level of care provided. With this collaborative effort, stroke patients benefit from a second expert opinion and immediate attention from one of the nation's leading stroke care providers.

Patients can rest assured knowing that they are receiving top-tier care from highly skilled professionals, close to home.

Southern New Hampshire Medical Center's dedication to optimal stroke treatment is evident in our partnership with Mass General Hospital and commitment to community education. By recognizing the signs of stroke and acting swiftly, everyone can make a significant difference in stroke recovery outcomes. With SNHMC's expertise and collaborative approach, patients can trust that they are in capable hands, receiving the best possible care when it matters most.