Stroke is a medical emergency requiring immediate medical attention - time lost is brain lost.
Time is brain. It may be an unusual expression to you, but to us it’s something that is all too familiar. At EIRMC, we say “time is brain” because we know that when someone suffers a stroke, it is only minutes before the brain suffers. Time lost is brain lost, and the longer it takes to receive effective, life-saving treatment, the more brain tissue dies.
The majority of strokes are highly treatable, but only if you act FAST. This means that if you or a loved one is suffering stroke, it is critical to receive care from an advance certified Primary Stroke Center like EIRMC. Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center is the only hospital in the region to be Primary Stroke Center certified by The Joint Commission, which means it’s the best hospital to go to if you are experiencing stroke.
Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death and a leading cause of long-term disability. If you suspect stroke, dial 911 and immediately be transported to the region’s only Primary Stroke Center.
Know the warning signs of stroke to act FAST
Act FAST – this basic test may save a life.
- FACE – Ask the person to smile. Does one side droop?
- ARMS – Ask the person to lift both arms. Is one uncontrollably lower than the other?
- SPEECH – Ask the person to repeat simple phrases. Are they confused or experiencing difficulty speaking?
- TIME – If a person exhibits any of these symptoms, don’t wait - Call 911 immediately.
Gold Seal of Approval Certified Primary Stroke Center
The Joint Commission awards hospitals advanced certification in Primary Stroke based on a lengthy and rigorous examination process to identify hospitals that demonstrate a commitment to excellence in providing stroke care. Just a few of the many protocols are:
- Consistent use of IV tPA therapy (clot-melters)
- 24/7 availability of a neurologist or interventional radiologist
- Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines
- Designated Stroke Team
- Coordinated response with area emergency crews
A coordinated stroke response between EMS, Emergency Department physicians, neurologists, and interventional radiologists mean the greatest number of treatment options available when stroke patients arrive within 3 hours of onset of symptoms, depending on the type of stroke.
But the excellence doesn’t stop when the certification is achieved!
Certified hospital’s stroke team members must regularly and continually collaborate and streamline to provide the most effective and efficient individualized patient care and treatment from initial response to post-stroke assessment and rehabilitative therapy.
Core measure data is analyzed and reported regularly to achieve continuous improvement and exceed standards of care resulting in improved patient outcomes and to maintain certification.
And now, in all of eastern Idaho, western Wyoming, southwest Montana, and northern Utah, EIRMC is the first and only hospital to achieve Primary Stroke Center designation.
Primary Stroke is not just an achievement, it’s an ongoing commitment. And EIRMC is committed to improving outcomes for stroke patients.
Get With The Guidelines®- Stroke Silver Plus Quality Achievement Award
The care our patients receive at EIRMC is our number one priority. That's why we're proud to be recognized by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association with the "Stroke Silver Plus Award" for our excellence in implementing the Get With The Guidelines program. The award recognizes Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center's commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of stroke care by ensuring that stroke patients receive treatment according tonationally accepted standards and recommendations.
Are You at Risk for Stroke?
