Noah Fisch (EMT), Chris Barnes (Paramedic), Juan Serna (RN), Ryan Ragbir (Radiology CT Technologist) and Jason Hoffman (EMS Supervisor) were on hand to share their motivation, pride and professional fulfillment in operating the new Mobile Stroke Unit service. It was most satisfying to hear about their perspective to be part of a highly functional and communicative team with a common goal: to provide a swift diagnosis and facilitate treatment for patients who may be experiencing a stroke.
From its inception on April 8 through Aug. 15, our two Mobile Stroke Units have responded to 422 calls, resulting in timely care and high-quality outcomes.
It was clear during my visit that this cohesive team works in the context of an even larger team of healthcare professionals who serve the stroke patient population at Stony Brook Medicine. Time with the team was well extremely informative, as I learned how telehealth technology allows connectivity from the Mobile Stroke Unit to Stony Brook Medicine neurologists, radiologists, neurosurgeons, emergency medical personnel and EMS dispatchers to coordinate best-in-class comprehensive stroke services. In fact, while sitting in the vehicle, I had the opportunity to connect directly to Dr. Elizbieta Wirkowski, one of our stroke neurologists, to demonstrate the equipment.
Most touching during this experience for me was the opportunity to share a hand-written note from a patient who credits the Mobile Stroke Unit and our Stony Brook Medicine team for saving her life. While describing the content of the letter, Juan stated that he was on the unit when the call was dispatched, and Dr. Wirkowski was the neurologist working with the team to call a Code BAT (stroke code) in the field. There are many grateful patients, as we have received numerous compliments regarding this service and the care they received. Besides grateful patients, the EMS volunteer services throughout the community appreciate the team effort to facilitate care for stroke patients in Suffolk County.
Clearly, Noah, Chris, Juan, Ryan and Jason take great Stony Brook Medicine pride in their ability to be part of a team that makes a difference in the lives of those in our community. They said it is a privilege to be part of this amazing and unique service that is not available anywhere else on Long Island. In turn, it was my privilege to meet such an amazing team. Special thanks to Dr. Michael Guido, Dr. David Fiorella and Dr. Trevor Marshall for their physician leadership to establish this service with many other departments, including Information Technology.
Carol
