Life-saving stroke treatment unit serves patients in Colorado Springs

There are only 20 across the U.S., and one of them is operating out of UCHealth Memorial Main hospital in Colorado Springs. It’s called the ‘Mobile Stroke Treatment Unit.’

According to the CDC, every 40 seconds someone in the U.S. has a stroke. It’s the fifth leading cause of death. But what many people don’t realize is that 85 percent of stroke cases are preventable.

Meet Mike O’Donnell, pictured above playing with his four grandchildren.

It was a special moment, one that he didn’t think he might be able to do again after having a stroke last year. His story is a special one — within six minutes of calling 9-1-1 O’Donnell was hoisted into what looked like a traditional ambulance. But it wasn’t.

It was this ‘Mobile Stroke Treatment Unit.’ It saved his life.

“We have absolutely seen the effects of decreasing their disability and or actually eliminating disability for stroke patients,” said Brandi Schimpf, the unit’s program manager.

The team is staffed with a nurse, an EMT, a paramedic and a CT technologist.

“Once a patient is placed on board, we are able to achieve a CT scan and move those images directly just as though the patient was in the hospital,” Schimpf said.

The units have treated 120 patients across the state in just three years of operation.

It works virtually anywhere, around the clock, according to Endovascular Neurosurgeon Dr. Shaye Moskowtiz.

“Ultimately, stroke is a time sensitive problem,” said Moskowitz. “Which means we need to get the right therapy to the right person as quickly as possible.”

Moskowitz said by beginning the evaluation of the patient out in the field speeds up the treatment process and saves crucial time.

The most common mistake people make is not taking symptoms seriously.

So what are the signs of a stroke?

Just remember the word BEFAST. If you notice difficulty with your balance, vision, face drooping, arms weakening, or even speaking — it’s time to call 9-1-1.

The ‘Mobile Stroke Treatment Unit’ has been in operation in both Colorado Springs and Aurora since August of 2016.

Note: UCHealth is holding a free, community education event about stroke prevention on May 11 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at the UCHealth community Education Center, 2050 KidsKare Point. For information, call 719-365-9622