Code Stroke

The patient is rushed into the ED

Nurses crowd around

Raise a leg

Raise an arm

More doctors surround

Ask questions

Patient tries to speak,

Becomes more confused

His face droops

Vitals are done

Blood draws are done

Doctor, what is the diagnosis?

Rush to CT

Rush to imaging

Does the patient have a clot?

Does he need a clot buster?

Hurry!

The patient tries to speak,

A weak voice comes out

Hurry!

The nurse administers the lifesaving drug.

“Code Stroke!”

“Another patient is coming!”

The staff glance at each other.

The cycle starts over again.