The work of the Neuroscience Program's Stroke Attack Team (StAT) is a prime example of St. Joseph’s Hospital's commitment to top-flight stoke care. The only program of its kind in the state, it allows for quick diagnosis, and quicker treatment, of those suffering from a neurological event. Study after study shows that immediate diagnosis and treatment of stroke symptoms can dramatically improve the prognosis of its victims.

When paramedics first recognize the symptoms of stroke, they immediately call the Neurosciene Program's Stroke Attack Team, notifying Emergency Department physicians and nurses, neurologists, diagnostic professionals, radiology nurses and stroke nurse that a stroke patient is on the way.

This team mobilizes. When the patient arrives in the Emergency Department and is moved to a critical bed, the physician and stroke nurse assess and coordinate the patient’s care. At the same time, nurses draw blood, take a medical history, and place the patient on a heart monitor and oxygen therapy. The neurologist is called as the patient undergoes diagnostic testing. These tests take pictures of the brain to determine the presence of a blood clot, blockage or bleeding. The Vascular Lab is alerted, as well as a neuroradiologist. Neurologists and neurointerventionalists examine all the information to determine appropriate treatment.