UF Health’s mobile stroke units will include a diagnostic CT scanner, clot-busting drugs such as tissue plasminogen activator, or tPA, medications given intravenously to lower high blood pressure, medications used to reverse the effects of bleeding inside the brain and telemedicine equipment. Ambulances will be staffed by a team that includes a stroke-trained health provider, a CT technician, an EMT driver and paramedic, as well as a stroke neurologist (available via telemedicine).

By deploying to the patient, the team can begin treatment while in transit to the nearest available stroke center, saving critical moments to reduce long-term disability from the stroke.

Studies show improved clinical outcomes for stroke patients transported via a mobile stroke unit versus a standard ambulance, including an increased likelihood of receiving tPA within an hour — the Golden Hour, when it’s most effective — and a higher probability of avoiding disability following treatment.

“As an American Heart Association Gold Plus-rated and Joint Commission Comprehensive Stroke Center, we are the highest-level stroke center in the region. We are always looking for innovative ways to enhance our patient care efforts,” said Brian Hoh, MD, chair of UF’s Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery. “The mobile stroke treatment unit allows us to bring stroke care to the patient and save precious time in our efforts to preserve brain function.”

Gainesville’s mobile stroke unit will be staffed 12 hours a day, seven days a week, and will provide service within a 30-mile radius.

The launch of UF Health’s mobile stroke treatment unit network is driven largely by philanthropy, which will be crucial to sustaining operations and potentially expanding to other areas of the state. A $1.5 million commitment from an anonymous donor spurred planning for the Gainesville-based unit. This was followed shortly by an additional $1 million contribution from The Villages® Hospital Auxiliary Foundation to support construction of an additional unit.