Final answer:
EMS personnel should alert the hospital stroke team promptly to prepare for possible administration of fibrinolytic therapy and reduce the time to definitive care, which is crucial for improving the outcome of stroke patients.
Step-by-step explanation:
Importance of Early Alert to Stroke Team
It is critical for EMS personnel to alert the receiving facility stroke team as soon as possible because it helps to determine eligibility for fibrinolytic therapy like tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), which can significantly improve a patient's prognosis when administered within a critical time window after an ischemic stroke. This early alert allows the hospital team to prepare for immediate assessment and treatment, potentially reducing the time to definitive care and improving outcomes. Quick intervention is crucial as the brain tissue in the ischemic penumbra -- the area around the core of the stroke that is at risk but potentially salvageable -- relies on the prompt restoration of blood flow to prevent permanent damage.
Rapid assessment by the EMS in identifying stroke symptoms using the FAST mnemonic (face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulties, time to call emergency services) is also vital in facilitating early alert and treatment. Alerting the hospital early ensures that the stroke team can prepare imaging studies necessary to differentiate between ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, as the treatment strategies differ.