Australia’s first ever dedicated stroke ambulance will hit the road in Melbourne next year to provide the quickest possible diagnosis and treatment for patients suffering a life threatening stroke.
The ground-breaking ambulance is part of the Andrews Labor Government’s $500 million plan to employ 450 more paramedics, build new and upgraded stations, and improve ambulance response times.
We are investing $7.5 million over four years towards the trial of the stroke ambulance which has been tested in Germany and America.
The purpose-built vehicle will feature a CT scanner to be operated by Royal Melbourne Hospital staff including a stroke nurse, radiographer and stroke neurologist, and Ambulance Victoria paramedics.
With a CT scanner on board, assessment and treatment of stroke can begin on the patient immediately, rather than after they have arrived at hospital.
This means stroke victims can receive faster interventions such as clot busting thrombolysis, giving them the best possible chance of survival and recovery.
The stroke ambulance will provide efficient and effective road transfer to the Royal Melbourne Hospital for ongoing treatment, where patients will benefit from a seamless transition and connected care.
CT scanner results from the ambulance will be instantly sent to hospital thanks to the latest telehealth technology.
The trial is part of research between the Royal Melbourne Hospital, the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, the University of Melbourne and Ambulance Victoria.
The ambulance set up is being made possible by a generous donation from leading Melbourne business figures and the Stroke Foundation.
The trial is due to commence in mid-2017 in Melbourne’s north and western suburbs.
About one in six people will suffer a stroke in their lifetime. In 2014, 2,954 Victorians died from the disease. It is the leading cause of disability in Australia, and causes more deaths than breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men.
Victorian hospitals treat more than 14,000 people for stroke and related conditions every year.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Jill Hennessy
“Time is critical when responding to stroke – every second counts.”
“This Australian first mobile stroke ambulance will mean stroke patients can get the specialist treatment they need even sooner and have a better chance of survival.”
“We’re delivering the biggest ever investment in Victoria’s history to cut ambulance response times even further and save lives.”
Quotes attributable to Director Neurology and the Melbourne Brain Centre at The Royal Melbourne Hospital Professor Stephen Davis
“Australia's first Mobile Stroke Unit brings the stroke unit to the patient.”
“The Melbourne Mobile Stroke Unit will have an integrated CT brain scanner, the latest medical equipment and qualified medical staff to treat stroke patients before hospital arrival.”
Quotes attributable to Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sharon McGowan
“Following a stroke, brain cells die at a rate of 1.9 million a minute. Time critical medical treatments can stop and even reverse this damage.”
“Time saved is brain saved, faster diagnosis and treatment can save lives and reduce disability.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020