Final answer:
Out-of-hospital acute stroke care prioritizes the rapid use of thrombolytic agents, such as tissue plasminogen activator, to dissolve clots and determination of patient eligibility for such treatment, alongside expedited transport to appropriate healthcare facilities.
Step-by-step explanation:
Out-of-hospital acute stroke care principally aims at rapid identification and treatment to minimize brain damage and improve outcomes. The primary intervention for someone suffering from a thrombotic stroke is the administration of a thrombolytic agent, ideally tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), which can dissolve the clot obstructing the cerebral artery. Immediate administration of tPA within 3 to 4 hours after stroke onset can significantly enhance the prognosis by increasing the likelihood of salvaging brain tissue in the ischemic penumbra, the area surrounding the necrotic core that is at risk but potentially viable. Therefore, the highlighted points of focus in out-of-hospital stroke care include B) the ability to rapidly determine patient eligibility for fibrinolytic therapy and D) rapid transport to a specialized facility for such treatment. Time is critical in stroke management, and the FAST mnemonic—assessing Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, and Time to call emergency services—helps bystanders rapidly identify stroke symptoms.