Stony Brook, New York (CBS New York) — New cutting-edge technology could save thousands of lives in Suffolk County.
Stony Brook Medicine is rolling out a new mobile emergency unit to treat stroke patients on the go. On Monday, CBS2’s girlfriend Reena Roy gave us a sneak peek at how it all works.
At first glance, it looks like an ordinary ambulance. But in fact, simulations show a brand new, high-tech mobile stroker unit, one of the most advanced in the nation and the only one of its kind on Long Island.
“This is truly a state-of-the-art machine,” said Dr. Michael Guido of Stony Brook School of Medicine.
“If we can successfully implement this program, we believe we will have the lowest stroke mortality and disability rates in the entire United States,” added Dr. David Fiorella.
Stony Brook Medicine will deploy two $1 million trucks that will be deployed along the Long Island Expressway to respond to 911 calls alongside an EMS unit for people who have suffered a stroke.
“If you have a stroke or a potential stroke, these units can respond to your home like an emergency mobile unit and accurately diagnose a stroke,” Dr. Fiorella said.
Officials said a mobile treatment center would save a lot of precious time, and every minute counts during a stroke.
“Brain cells don’t regenerate, so once they’re lost, they don’t come back,” Dr. Fiorella said.
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That’s because four highly trained stroke responders will be on hand to provide emergency blood flow treatment and even conduct CT scans of the brain.
One of the most important features is that hospital neurologists can see live what is happening inside the wards as stroke patients are being treated on-site.
“In addition to examining the patient, we can also perform a CT scan. This will significantly reduce the time required for treatment,” Dr. Guido said.
In the meantime, the patient will be taken to the hospital.
The unit will be officially set up from April 1 and will be available seven days a week, from 8am to 8pm, the hours when strokes most occur.
The hospital hopes to eventually add a third mobile stroke unit in Riverhead.
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