Prehospital Stroke Assessment and the RACE Scale

In acute stroke care, every second counts to prevent irreversible brain damage. Recognizing large vessel occlusions early in the field is critical for directing patients to the right intervention centers. This course equips you with the foundational knowledge to perform rapid neurological assessments and implement the Rapid Arterial Occlusion Evaluation (RACE) scale. You will understand how to accurately identify candidates for endovascular therapy and coordinate seamlessly with emergency stroke networks. What you'll learn: - Understand the pathophysiology of ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. - Apply the RACE scale to assess stroke severity and identify large vessel occlusions. - Coordinate with regional Stroke Code systems to optimize patient transport and transfer. - Differentiate between candidates for systemic thrombolysis and endovascular treatment. - Integrate modern digital communication protocols for real-time prehospital triage. The course starts with basic stroke terminology and neuroanatomy before guiding you through step-by-step RACE scale protocols. You will then explore triage scenarios and coordination strategies to minimize time-to-treatment. This course is designed for emergency medical technicians, paramedics, nursing students, and healthcare professionals seeking a foundational understanding of prehospital stroke protocols. No prior advanced neurology experience is required. Start reading today to build the essential skills needed for rapid, life-saving stroke triage.