PARAGOULD, Ark. — Baptist Memorial Hospital in Greene County has been designated as a stroke-ready hospital by the state, a step aimed at enhancing emergency stroke care for area residents.
The hospital earned the designation after applying in April and demonstrating its ability to perform labs and CT scans quickly, part of the state's requirements for stroke care. Lacey Wheeler, the hospital's emergency department director, said the recognition ensures that high-quality stroke care remains accessible within the community.
“They’re receiving high-quality stroke care close to home,” Wheeler said. “It shows we’ve met the state standards for stroke recognition, treatment, staff, training, and community education.”
The hospital employs telemedicine through its AR SAVES program, a partnership with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). This system connects patients with stroke neurologists remotely, allowing them to evaluate and guide treatment in real time. More than 60 hospitals across Arkansas participate in the AR SAVES network.
“We place this screen in front of our patients at the bedside so that the neurologist can see them from head to toe,” Wheeler said. “A nurse is also present on the screen.”
When a stroke patient arrives, hospital staff act immediately. Advanced imaging, patient education, and telemedicine are utilized to ensure rapid diagnosis and treatment. Wheeler emphasized the critical importance of time in treating strokes.
“Time is brain,” she said. “During a stroke, brain cells are dying every minute. Calling 911 allows EMS to start that process immediately, and it gives the hospital time to prepare before the patient ever arrives.”
Wheeler also urged the community to learn the signs of a stroke, using the acronym BE FAST: - **B** for balance issues - **E** for eye changes - **F** for facial drooping - **A** for arm weakness - **S** for speech difficulties - **T** for time to call 911
Symptoms of a stroke often appear suddenly and should never be ignored, Wheeler said, stressing that swift response can save lives.
Baptist Memorial’s upgraded designation means that patients experiencing stroke symptoms in Greene County can receive critical care faster without needing to travel far from home.