Why is it important to transport a stroke patient without delay?

Transporting a stroke patient without delay is critical because time is of the essence when it comes to administering thrombolytics, which are clot-busting medications that can significantly improve patient outcomes. The efficacy of thrombolytics is time-sensitive; the sooner they are administered, typically within a window of about three to four and a half hours after the onset of symptoms, the more likely it is that the patient will regain function and minimize long-term disability. Delaying transport can lead to irreversible brain damage, as neurons can begin to die rapidly in the absence of oxygen and nutrients when blood flow is compromised.

In addition, quickly getting the patient to a facility where they can receive advanced care helps ensure that the appropriate diagnostic imaging (such as a CT scan) can be performed promptly to determine the nature of the stroke, whether ischemic or hemorrhagic. This allows for tailored treatment to be initiated as soon as possible, improving the overall chance of recovery.