Code Stroke
When it comes to stroke, time lost is brain lost. Every minute counts, as delays in treatment can lead to permanent brain damage or even death. That’s why the Code Stroke process at Sault Area Hospital is critical—it’s a rapid, highly coordinated response system that brings together emergency physicians, neurologists, imaging specialists, and other healthcare professionals to quickly assess, diagnose, and begin treatment for stroke patients. The goal is to minimize delays, initiate life-saving interventions, and improve the chances of a full recovery for every patient.
It Starts With You: Recognizing the Signs
A community member visiting a loved one at home notices something isn’t right. Their loved one is experiencing some of the following concerning symptoms:
- Weakness or numbness in the face, arm or leg, usually on one side of the body
Trouble speaking or understanding
- Vision problems, such as dimness or loss of vision in one or both eyes
Dizziness or problems with balance or coordination
- Fainting or seizure
- Severe headaches with no known cause that occur suddenly
- Sudden nausea or vomiting not caused by a viral illness
Recognizing the signs of stroke, they call 911.
The clock starts ticking.
Emergency Response: Rapid Assessment and Transport
Paramedics arrive within minutes, responding at the highest level of urgency. On scene, they perform a rapid stroke assessment and suspect a stroke. Without delay, they:
Begin initial stabilization
Contact SAH with a Stroke Alert
Transport the patient immediately
The clock ticks on.
Hospital Arrival: Diagnosis Within Minutes
Upon arrival at SAH’s Emergency Department:
The patient is taken immediately to CT imaging
Our goal: CT scan within 15 minutes
The Stroke Response Physician accesses Telestroke, a 24/7 secure video consultation service that connects the physician and patient with a Stroke Neurologist anywhere in Ontario
Together, they evaluate both the CT results and the patient to decide on one of three treatment paths:
Thrombolytic (clot-busting medication) – must be administered within 4.5 hours of symptom onset
Thrombectomy – mechanical clot removal (requires air ambulance transfer to Health Sciences North)
Combination – thrombolytic followed by thrombectomy
Advanced Stroke Care
- If a thrombectomy is required:
The patient is airlifted to Health Sciences North
After the procedure, they typically return to SAH within 48 hours
If a thrombolytic is administered:
The patient is closely monitored in SAH’s ICU for 24 hours
The clock stops.
Recovery Begins: Acute Stroke Care Unit
After initial treatment, patients are transferred to the Acute Stroke Care Unit at Sault Area Hospital, where their recovery journey begins with comprehensive, specialized care. This unit is dedicated to supporting stroke patients in the crucial early stages of healing and rehabilitation.
In the Acute Stroke Care Unit, patients receive:
Ongoing monitoring of neurological status, vital signs, and any post-treatment concerns
Specialized stroke care delivered by a specially trained interdisciplinary team, which includes:
Physicians
Nurses
Physiotherapists
Occupational Therapists
Speech-Language Pathologists
Registered Dietitians
Social Workers
Pharmacists
Tailored rehabilitation services to help patients regain mobility, communication, cognitive abilities, and daily functioning
Nutritional and medication support, ensuring optimal recovery and stroke prevention
Family and caregiver education to promote understanding, involvement, and readiness for the next stage of care
Discharge planning and coordination, helping patients transition to home, community services, or additional rehabilitation, based on their needs
At Sault Area Hospital, we are committed to helping every stroke patient recover with dignity, support, and the best care possible.