Siriraj Hospital has launched the country's first mobile stroke unit capable of providing immediate care for patients and bringing them to the hospital in the shortest possible time.
The modified six-wheel vehicle cost 20 million baht and is fully equipped with treatment machines with a specialist doctor and nurses on aboard.
The new mobile unit is part of a pilot project to reduce the chances of stroke victims either dying on the way to hospital or suffering long-term physical disabilities, according to Prasit Watanapa, dean of the hospital's faculty of medicine.
Dr Prasit announced the launch of the project yesterday. It is being rolled out in collaboration with the Public Health Ministry, Erawan Emergency Response Centre, City Hall, the Ruam Katanyu and Por Teck Tung foundations, PTT Plc and Mahidol University.
The vehicle is divided into three sections. The forward area has been equipped with a CT scanner, resuscitation equipment and a hydraulically assisted stretcher. This is where a doctor, several nurses and a radiology technician will work, according to Dr Yongchai Nilanont, chairman of the Siriraj Stroke Centre.
The mid-section has been fitted with IT and communication devices as well as real-time cameras. A patient's condition can be diagnosed and relayed to the hospital so a team of doctors can prepare immediate treatment, he added.
Dr Prasit said 5% of people who suffer an acute stroke have a significant chance of dying if they are not taken to a hospital within a certain time, whereas 70% may suffer a long-term disability.
He said the brain can only tolerate a lack of oxygen caused by the stroke for a short period of time, meaning the ruptured blood vessels in the brain must be treated as soon as possible.
Many hospitals in Bangkok have developed efficient facilities to treat and care for stroke patients. But it is just as important to ensure patients arrive at the hospital as fast as possible and in a safe condition. This is where the mobile stroke unit would be the most helpful.
Dr Yongchai said the vehicle will serve a reasonable radius from the hospital to Klong Maha Sawat, Buddhamonthon Sai See, Phetchakasem Road and Ratchaphruek Road.
The mobile unit can arrange for families to meet it halfway for the speedy transfer of the patients. PTT petrol stations within the service area have designated a space for the mobile unit to pick up patients there.
Dr Yongchai said the project will be evaluated in three months. If successful, it will be expanded to other areas in Bangkok.
