Back to Tests & Procedures

Mayo Clinic Minute: Telestroke technology inside ambulances

Jason Howland: Stroke telemedicine, also called “telestroke,” uses audio and visual technology to connect emergency room patients with stroke specialists. And now telestroke is going mobile inside ambulances.

W. David Freeman, M.D.: The cool part about that is that Mayo physicians will beam into a moving ambulance to look at the patient while they’re traveling to our Mayo hospital.

Dr. Freeman: Now let’s do the left leg…

Jason Howland: The time saved with telestroke often is vital in preventing major neurological disabilities and can be a matter of life and death.

Dr. Freeman: We measured previously that saved 7½ minutes. And we know that’s 1.9 million brain cells per minute. So you can do the math about how many millions of brain cells that can potentially save.

Jason Howland: Having a prompt telestroke evaluation and assessment increases the possibility of administering treatment in time to reduce stroke-related disabilities.

Dr. Freeman: Time is brain. So, we continue to advance the science and try to heal the sick.

Jason Howland: For the Mayo Clinic News Network, I’m Jason Howland.

© 1998-2024 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved.

We Make Health Possible

As East Central Indiana’s population grows, we’re putting health care where people need it most. Besides Hancock Regional Hospital, ranked as one of the nation’s safest by the Lown Hospital Index, our network includes more than 30 other locations near your home or work.

Learn More about Hancock