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JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — State health officials say Mississippi is now the first in the nation to have a third statewide system of care in place to help save the lives of trauma and stroke victims.
Jim Craig, director of health protection for the state Department of Health, says in a news release that hospitals can add the Stroke System of Care to the ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Care Plan and the Trauma Care System.
Craig says "stroke ready" hospitals have 24/7 CT capability and a specific drug available to break up blood clots.
Stroke centers must have a neurologist available 24/7. Comprehensive stroke centers must have the capability to conduct interventional neurology.
Craig says "stroke ready" hospitals will conduct the initial examination and therapy before sending patients on an official stroke center.
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