1.9 million neurons are lost per minute during a stroke...

This fact alone is why efficient and accurate stroke transportation is essential, and why I am so passionate around changing stroke transportation laws around the world.

If you had a stroke, wouldn’t you want the best care possible?

Nearly 2 million brain cells die every minute a stroke goes untreated. For the best possible outcome, a stroke patient ideally needs to receive thrombectomy within 24 hours.

What is a thrombectomy?

Thrombectomy uses catheters to quickly reopen blocked arteries in the brain. This procedure can be done in as little as 20 minutes. The degree to which a patient recovers depends in large part on the amount of time that has elapsed since the artery was blocked.

So why's it an issue?

Thrombectomy can be a lifesaving procedure for severe stroke patients, yet less than 15 percent of patients receive the surgery. Currently, most states do not have clear protocols to ensure a person who is having a severe stroke is transported directly to a Level 1 stroke center, where they would have access to a specially trained neuroendovascular care team that can help them 24/7/365.

And if caring about the lives of people isn't enough of a reason...here's the financials:

Stroke costs the U.S. an estimated $46 billion. The minimally invasive nature of thrombectomy helps stroke patients get back on their feet so they are able to live independently and work again without government assistance.