FASTER is a 24-hour, on-call hyper acute stroke unit that offers expert in-hospital evaluation and treatment decision making of acute stroke/brain attack within 30 minutes of arrival at the Emergency Room.
IS IT A STROKE? THINK FASTER!
If you suspect a stroke, think FASTER – that’s Face, Arm, Speech, Time & ER.
Face: ask the patient to smile – is one side of the face drooping?
Arm: ask the patient to lift both arms – is one hand drifting downwards/ can’t raise an arm?
Speech: ask the patient to speak or say something simple – is the speech slurring?
Time: if you observe any of these signs, call ER at 155218
In case of a stroke, the patient will present one or more of following symptoms
Weakness or numbness in the face, arm or leg
Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
Confusion/ trouble in speaking and understanding
Inability to walk, sudden loss of balance and body coordination
Sudden spells of dizziness
Severe headache with no known cause
Blurred vision
What should you do?
If you suspect a stroke in a family member or friend, rush the patient to the nearest hospital that’s equipped to handle such an emergency. Remember, stroke is a life-threatening brain attack. Waiting for symptoms to subside or delay medical care can prove fatal.
Advantage ASTER : FASTER: 30-Minute Stroke Care
FASTER at Aster Medcity is a 24-hour, on-call hyper acute stroke unit that offers expert in-hospital diagnosis and treatment decision making of acute stroke within 30 minutes of arrival at the Emergency Room (ER). The FASTER Stroke Care Team will ensure that the patient is assessed, undergoes a head scan, scan interpretation and treatment decision of clot dissolving medicines or /and Mechanical Thrombectomy (direct clot extraction from the brain artery using stents etc. done in advanced Cath Lab) are made. Timely stroke evaluation – especially in the “golden hour” or first one hour of the attack followed immediately by appropriate treatment –will help minimise brain damage and improve clinical outcomes significantly.
FASTER also offers specialised care for TIA or Transient Ischemic Stroke – a condition wherein the patient presents stroke-like symptoms, but gets better by the time he or she gets to the hospital.
One of the only units of its kind in the region, FASTER is equipped with cutting-edge diagnostic/ therapeutic technology and clinical support including:
In case of a stroke, the patient will present one or more of following symptoms
Philips 256 Slice iCT Scanner
3.0 Tesla Wide Bore MRI
Flat-panel Bi-Plane Vascular Hybrid Cath Lab
CLARITY Cath Lab
Dedicated ICCA (IntelliSpace Critical Care & Anaesthesia) Neuro ICUs
OR1 Karl Storz Fusion Integrated Neurosurgery Suites
FASTER Care
If a family member/ friend presents one or more symptoms of stroke, call us immediately on our 24-hour emergency helpline 155218 (direct dial). Do not wait for patient to get better or symptoms to go away – it can prove fatal.
We will tell you as to what precautions you need to take while shifting the patient to the hospital.
Informing us beforehand will enable our stroke team to get ready to handle the emergency..
We will ready our Radiology suite and Cath Lab for fast-track diagnosis and treatment by the time the patient arrives at the ER or Emergency Room/ Casualty.
Our team of doctors will be all set to handle the emergency and ensure that the patient undergoes a head scan, diagnosed and treatment decisions made within 30 minutes of arrival at the ER.
This will ensure that the patient gets the best possible care during the “Golden Hour” (first one hour post the stroke attack) for the best possible clinical outcomes.
The patient will be provided comprehensive, evidence based acute stroke care especially treatment with clot dissolving drugs and advanced mechanical clot retrieval ( thrombectomy) in the Cathlab in clinically suitable cases.
In certain cases, the patient may need to undergo a surgery – if it is a complex hemorrhagic stroke. The decision will be made after a thorough assessment of the patient’s condition by our Neuro Trauma team.
Our Doctors
We have some of the best specialists from around the world, they bring years of experience and offer evidence-based treatment to ensure the best care for you.
