Riyadh Hospital Unveils New Swift-Response Mobile Stroke Unit

Riyadh’s King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC) has unveiled a new Mobile Stroke Unit at the Global Health Exhibition in Riyadh, aimed at dramatically improving stroke care in dense urban areas. The service addresses the critical delays often faced in urban traffic, allowing for immediate medical intervention during the crucial ‘golden hour’ after stroke symptoms appear.

The Mobile Stroke Unit can be dispatched by the Saudi Red Crescent Authority upon reports of symptoms like arm weakness, facial drooping or speech difficulties. Inside the ambulance, a specialized team including a vascular neurologist, critical care nurse, paramedic and CT scan technician can diagnose and treat patients en route to the hospital.

The unit is fully equipped with technology for real-time diagnostics and treatment for both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. The unit’s ability to conduct CT scans while in transit enables immediate determination of the stroke type, allowing for timely and appropriate treatment.

Studies indicate that patients treated within the first hour of symptom onset have a 70% higher chance of regaining normal function compared to those who experience delays.