Prehospital Stroke Assessment and the RACE Scale for Triage

In acute stroke management, every second counts. Rapid and accurate prehospital assessment is the key to saving brain tissue and directing patients to the right intervention center without delay. This course provides a clear, step-by-step framework for evaluating acute stroke patients in the field. You will learn how to differentiate stroke types, recognize large vessel occlusions, and confidently use the RACE (Rapid Arterial Occlusion Evaluation) scale to optimize patient routing for advanced therapies like endovascular treatment. What you'll learn: - Understand the fundamental pathophysiology of ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes - Identify the clinical signs of large vessel occlusion in acute stroke patients - Apply the RACE scale systematically to score and triage patients in prehospital settings - Coordinate with regional stroke networks and understand endovascular treatment pathways - Integrate modern telestroke communication protocols to accelerate hospital arrival notification The course starts with essential stroke anatomy and clinical definitions before moving into hands-on triage workflows. You will practice applying the scoring system through realistic written case studies that build your confidence for real-world decision-making. This program is designed for emergency medical technicians, paramedics, nursing students, and healthcare professionals seeking a foundational understanding of prehospital stroke protocols. No prior experience with stroke scales is required. Start reading today to enhance your emergency response skills and make a life-saving difference in stroke care.