Managing Acute Ischemic Stroke During Air Transport: From Rotor to Cath Lab

Time is brain in acute ischemic stroke (AIS), and air medical transport plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between symptom onset and definitive care. This presentation, co-led by a physician-medical director of an air ambulance program and a neuro-interventional radiologist directing a comprehensive stroke center, offers a comprehensive look at optimizing AIS management from pre-hospital air transport to interventional treatment. Attendees will gain insights into the critical interplay between rapid transport logistics and advanced stroke care, tailored to the unique challenges of the air medical environment.

The session begins with pre-transport strategies, including patient assessment using the NIHSS, stabilization of airway, breathing, and circulation, and coordination with receiving stroke centers. In-flight management will cover continuous monitoring, blood pressure control, oxygen supplementation at altitude, and handling complications like seizures—all adapted to the constraints of air transport. The presentation then transitions to the neuro-interventional perspective, detailing seamless handoff to the cath lab and the latest techniques in mechanical thrombectomy, emphasizing time-critical coordination. A real-world case study from our program will illustrate these principles in action, showcasing improved outcomes through integrated care.

Designed for AMTC’s diverse audience—physicians, nurses, paramedics, and administrators—this session blends practical clinical guidance with operational insights, addressing altitude effects, limited resources, and crew training. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to enhance AIS care across the transport-treatment continuum, reinforcing the vital link between rotor wings and stroke recovery.