EMS A to Z: Stroke Screening Scores

Show Notes:

From your hosts, Dr. Josh Gaither, Dr. Amber Rice, and Dr. Rachel Munn

Follow your Stroke Administrative Guideline!

If a stroke is suspected, first perform a Cincinnati Prehospital Screening Scale:

If positive perform a VAN.

VAN positive

Greater than 4 hours of symptom onset: transport to Comprehensive Stroke Center (Banner UMC or TMC).

Within 4 hours of symptom onset: transport to nearest Stroke Center (patient may still be tPA candidate).

VAN negative

Transport to the nearest Stroke Center.

See this reference from CoreEM for performing a VAN screen.

Don’t forget to consider and evaluate for stroke mimics (like hypoglycemia).