Stroke System

When Stroke occurs, time lost is brain lost!

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S. A stroke happens every 40 seconds. Know the signs of stroke. Think FAST.

The Contra Costa County EMS Stroke System of Care was launched in January of 2012. The system is designed to identify patients suspected of having a stroke and getting those patients to the appropriate hospitals for rapid evaluation and treatment. The system of care is a collaborative approach, with a network of Joint Commission accredited Primary Stroke centers and 911 prehospital providers. Patients identified by EMS as having signs and symptoms of stroke are taken directly to the closest Primary Stroke Center. Contra Costa County also has one Comprehensive Stroke Center that provides services for patients needing more advanced imaging and specialized care.

Stroke: Stroke, sometimes called a ‘brain attack,’ is injury to the brain, spinal cord, or retina caused by blockage or rupture of a blood vessel and/or a reduction in blood flow to the brain. There are two major types of stroke:

• Ischemic stroke: an occlusion in a blood vessel blocks blood flow to the brain, oxygen does not reach the brain and tissue dies rapidly.
• Hemorrhagic stroke: A blood vessel ruptures, causing bleeding into or around the brain. Both types of stroke often result in disability and death.

Primary Stroke Center (PSC): A hospital designated by Contra Costa County EMS with rapid stroke capabilities, designed to provide rapid intervention for stroke patients consistent with Primary Stroke Center Certification Criteria of the Joint Commission program. The Joint Commissions program is based on recommendations for Primary Stroke Centers published by the Brain Attack Coalition, American Heart Association and American Stroke Association. For additional information go to www.strokeassociation.org.

Receiving Centers

Public Education/Resources

• Stroke Receiving Centers

  A Primary Stroke Center (PSC) is a hospital designated by Contra Costa County EMS with rapid stroke capabilities, designed to provide rapid intervention for stroke patients consistent with Primary Stroke Center Certification Criteria of the Joint Commission program.

  As of August 7, 2014, the following hospitals have been designated as Primary Stroke Centers in the Contra Costa County EMS Stroke System:

  • John Muir - Concord
  • John Muir - Walnut Creek
  • San Ramon Regional Medical Center
  • Kaiser - Richmond
  • Kaiser - Antioch
  • Kaiser - Walnut Creek

  
  

• Know the Signs of Stroke

  Stroke happens fast and symptoms include:

  • Trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
  • Weakness of the face, arm or leg especially on one side
  • Trouble seeing - in one or both eyes
  • Trouble speaking or understanding confusion
  • Severe headache with no known cause

  
  

  If someone experiences these symptoms

  
  
  

  Stroke Risk Factors

  Anyone can have a stroke, but certain behavior and medical conditions can increase your chances. Fortunately, anyone can take steps to lower their risk.

  The following websites can help you learn more about strokes and how to reduce your risk factors:

  • National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) - “Know Stroke”
  • California Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention (CHDSP) Program
  • American Stroke Association
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention
  • National Stroke Association

  
  

  First Person Stories About Stroke

  • Inspirational Stories (American Stroke Association)
  • The Man Who Forgot How To Read by Robert Krulwich (NPR)

  
  

  Contra Costa Stroke System Documents

  • Contra Costa designated stroke center application/interest form (PDF)
  • Stroke Service Plan - Draft (PDF)
  • Stroke Receiving Center Designation Criteria Application and Evaluation Tool (PDF)
  • Stroke Receiving Center Designation - Policy 5004 (PDF)