VAN - Training of Emergency Medical Services to Improve Stroke Outcomes in Northwest Arkansas

The investigators propose to perform a 6-month pilot study in Northwest Arkansas in collaboration of two EMS providers; Central EMS and AirEvac. These local providers operate in the WRMC catchment area and transport over 90% of patients with a suspected stroke to WRMC comprehensive stroke center. Thus no changes to their standard operations would be implemented. The aim of this pilot study would be to test the accuracy of VAN-screening in the area in patients treated at WRMC - thus only patients who are brought to WRMC as per current protocol would be included in the study.

The investigators would train Central EMS and AirEvac personnel to perform the V.A.N screen, over a 2-month period (estimated June-July 2020) in several sessions at the Central EMS training center at 800 S. School Ave. in Fayetteville. This training would be performed by study investigators, assisted by medical students, residents, and advanced practice nurses (APNs). The training would consist of a training video, hands-on instruction, and sample scenarios.The investigators would survey all training participants to gather feedback on the format, delivery, and understanding of the training material. The PowerPoint presentation planned for the training session, as well as the post-training quiz, are attached as Appendices to this application. The investigators would expect a rate of 80% correct answers in the post-training quiz. All questions and scenarios would be discussed with all trainees after the quiz, and re-takes would be allowed.