To better reflect its expanded goal to address stroke and cardiovascular disease emergencies, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Bureau of EMS, Trauma & Preparedness has been renamed the Bureau of Emergency Preparedness, EMS & Systems of Care. This announcement was made as MDHHS joined organizations across the country in recognizing World Stroke Day.
"Within MDHHS and across the state, we are taking action to address the urgency of stroke and cardiovascular disease emergencies and connecting Michigan residents to care as quickly as possible," said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. "A stroke is a complex medical issue but there are ways to significantly reduce its impact. Recognizing the signs of stroke early, calling 911, and accessing specialized stroke care as quickly as possible can substantially improve outcomes."
This change occurs following input from stakeholders and experts on how to better integrate stroke and cardiovascular disease emergencies into the framework of the existing trauma system. A panel of experts in 2018 agreed that, as with trauma patients, those suffering stroke and acute heart attacks have better outcomes when taken to an appropriate hospital facility for care.
Legislation enacted in 2021 directed the MDHHS Division of EMS and Trauma, now the Division of EMS and Systems of Care (DESoC), to operationalize and integrate these systems into the established trauma system.
The DESoC team convened stakeholder groups, drafted administrative rules and listened to feedback from clinical experts, national organizations and other partners within MDHHS, including the MI Stroke Program. In September, the groups reviewed the draft rules and submitted them to begin the administrative rules process.
Next steps include continued work with the MI Stroke Program to develop consistent data reporting, integration with regional networks to establish standards and structure, and partnerships with EMS and medical control authorities to establish optimal clinical treatment and destination protocols.
Strokes can happen to anyone, at any age. Globally, about one in four adults over the age of 25 will have a stroke in their lifetime. Strokes occur when the blood supply to any part of the brain is disrupted. Without blood, brain cells may be damaged or die. Strokes can affect one's body, mobility and speech. If you think someone is having a stroke, do the FAST check to determine if the person is suffering from these symptoms:
Face -- Face weakness
Arm -- Arm weakness
Speech -- Speech difficulties
Time -- Time to call 911
Categories: Michigan, Government & Policy