VANCOUVER — Paramedics in Vancouver and Richmond, B.C., have joined colleagues in two Ontario locations to take part in a drug trial that could greatly improve outcomes for stroke patients.
Emergency Health Services says the B.C. paramedics, along with those in Toronto and the Region of Peel, will administer a clinical study drug called NA-1, a substance that limits brain damage if a stoke occurs.
Eligible stroke patients will either receive NA-1 or a placebo.
EHS says results of the trial could help researchers assess the effect of speedy treatment by paramedics, before patients even reach hospital.
Almost two million brain cells die each minute after a stroke, making quick assessment and treatment crucial.
Stroke Services B.C. spokeswoman Pam Ramsay says that if NA-1 reduces the devastating impact of strokes while a patient is the way to hospital, the results could have tremendous impacts on recovery and rehabilitation.
