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H E A LT H L I N KS torrancememorial.org PULSE | 15 To learn more about our stroke program, visit torrancememorial.org / stroke_center. transport, shortens hospital stays, and lowers costs through more timely and accurate diagnosis." "rough Telestroke, the videoconferencing technolog y will enable specialists at Cedars-Sinai to communicate with Torrance Memorial's ER team to examine the patient, interpret brain images, confirm the diagnosis and provide recommendations, just as if they were at the bedside," says Bernard Ullman, MD, medical director of the Stroke Program at Torrance Memorial. "We are pleased to offer this collaboration to our community." e evaluating physician will recommend in the case of ischemic stroke (which occurs as a result of an obstruction within a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain) whether tissue plasminogen activator (TPA), a clot-busting medication, is needed. According to the American Heart Association, each 15-minute span between the onset of ischemic stroke (the cause of nine out of 10 strokes) and the delivery of TPA is an average of one month of disability-free life lost for that patient. Immediate intervention in the case of hemorrhage stroke is just as critical. In 2015, neurologists Jeffrey Kim, MD, and Ben Tseng , MD, joined the Torrance Memorial Physician Network to provide rapid daytime access to the more than 450 stroke patients who enter Torrance Memorial's Emergency Department each year. In the event neither doctor is immediately accessible at bedside, one of four Cedars-Sinai neurologists: Patrick Lyden, MD, Shlee S. Song , MD, Konrad Schlick, MD, or Mani Nezhad, MD, are available to instantly assess the patient via two- way audiovisual communication. "Strokes can occur at any time and it is important to have access to urgent neurologic evaluations by experts that can help decide whether patients are eligible for TPA or other interventions as quickly as possible. We've all seen the data and patients have a greater chance for better outcomes and independence with early treatment," says Dr. Song. "Time is brain." e Deavers' gi helps bring to Torrance Memorial the RP- Lite ® , Mobile Remote Presence Solution, a robot-like system that includes a camera, monitor and laptop station affixed to a stand on wheels. Its patented design facilitates immersive two-way audiovisual communication; when positioned next to the bed, the RP-Lite's design allows a camera and microphone to engage the patient and doctor in face-to-face interactions. e system, used in combination with InTouch Health's work-flow solution and cloud connectivity, maximizes the real-time interactivity and instant transport of lifesaving information. "As a proud resident of the South Bay, I am aware of how fortunate I am to have had opportunities in business and to raise a family in this community," says Francesca Deaver. "My father was active in his support of our community hospital, Torrance Memorial, which has become a thriving medical center. Our children and grandchildren were also born there. Our personal philosophy is simple; we have a responsibility to do what we are able for our community at all times. We feel fortunate and humble to be a part of the legacy of Torrance Memorial." STROKE CENTER OFFERS HIGHLY SPECIALIZED CARE In 2009, Torrance Memorial became the first hospital in Torrance to receive the Joint Commission's Certificate of Distinction as a Primary Stroke Center. This designation recognizes centers that make exceptional efforts to foster better outcomes for stroke care. In addition, for the third straight year, Torrance Memorial has also received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association's Get with the Guidelines® Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award. The award honors the hospital's commitment and success to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines. Meanwhile, Cedars-Sinai has earned Comprehensive Stroke Center status, the highest- quality achievement possible under the Joint Commission guidelines. Awarded to centers that pass a rigorous on-site review and a thorough examination of the program and patient care, the certification recognizes the center's commitment to following national standards and guidelines that can significantly improve outcomes for stroke patients. THINK FAST If you suspect someone is having a stroke, time is of the essence. It's worth learning the four warning signs of stroke: F: FACE Look at a person's face to see if one side is drooping. A: ARMS Have the person li both arms. Ask if either arm is weak or see if he or she cannot raise them evenly. S: SPEECH Ask the person to say a simple phrase. Signs include an inability to speak or understand. T: TIME Time is of the essence. Don't second-guess yourself. Don't drive the patient to the hospital yourself. Call 9-1-1 for help immediately. Paramedics will begin treatment before the patient arrives at the hospital.