What action should prehospital providers take to improve outcomes for acute stroke patients?

Notifying the receiving facility in advance is crucial for improving outcomes for acute stroke patients. Early notification allows the hospital staff to prepare for the patient's arrival, ensuring that the necessary resources, such as imaging and specialized stroke teams, are readily available. This proactive approach can lead to timely intervention, which is vital in stroke management, as potential treatments are time-sensitive. Prompt administration of therapies, such as thrombolytics, can significantly enhance recovery chances and minimize long-term damage.

While administering anticoagulants, waiting before transport, or reassessing at the scene might seem like plausible actions, they do not align with the critical need for timely medical intervention in acute stroke cases. The priority is to get the patient to appropriate care as quickly as possible while ensuring that the receiving medical team is prepared to act immediately upon arrival.