Definition
Stroke Scene Time:
This is a 90th percentile measure of the number of minutes that EMS remains on scene with a patient who is exhibiting the signs and symptoms of a stroke. The Stroke Scene Time is the time interval that begins when EMS arrives at the patient’s location until the ambulance departs to the hospital with the patient who is exhibiting the signs and symptoms of a stroke.
The Stroke Scene Time goal is 15 minutes or less 90% of the time. This data does not include incidents where scene delay is beyond the control of the Medics. One example is difficulty accessing the patient.
Compliance with 15 Minute Standard (percent of patient contacts)
We have reported a version of this measure in the past, looking at the percentage of Stroke Alerts that meet scene interval standards. Our goal is to meet the 15 minute standard for 90 percent of all Stroke Alerts. We use this version to report performance at the individual provider level as well as for the department as a whole.
This indicator includes one significant variation from the OMD version: unavoidable delays are not excluded from the measure. Instead, we measure based on how our crews provide appropriate care for the individual patient's situation. So, if a patient has a delay on scene that could not be controlled by the crew, it is included as meeting the goal for the patient, along with patients who have a scene interval less than 15 minutes.
Why is this important?
Patients with Stroke symptoms require rapid treatment at a hospital that is staffed with Physicians that specialize in Stroke care. This condition can be reversed if treated early, so it is vital that we provide rapid care and transport for patients with symptoms of Stroke. This measure shows our compliance with the goal.
NOTE: We recently reviewed and updated our clinical audit processes. As part of the update, we adjusted data filters to ensure consistent measurement across the various clinical indicators we report. These changes may result in a small amount of variation from previously reported results.
This measure relates to our Strategic Goals for Service and Finance- S1, S2, S3, F2, and F3:
S1: To be an organization that strives to improve the lives of people in our community.
S2: To have a service delivery model that best serves the needs of our community.
S3: To be an organization that puts service before self.
F2: To be an organization that provides value to the community.
F3: To provide quality cost efficient service to the community.
Performance Measure Definition (PDF)
Click here to view our strategic goals (PDF)