Gothenburg Health and local emergency responders worked together in June to practice how they respond to stroke patients, with a focus on saving time and improving care when every minute matters.

The one-hour mock drill took place at Gothenburg Health and included a full simulation of a stroke emergency. The exercise started with EMS crews assessing a patient in the field, followed by transport to the hospital and activation of the hospital’s stroke response team.

The drill was created by the hospital’s Emergency Preparedness Committee after leaders saw a need to practice responding to serious, life-threatening emergencies. Stroke care is highly time-sensitive, and even small delays can affect recovery.

One change tested during the drill was a new process that allows EMS crews to decide, while still on the way to the hospital, if a patient should go directly to the CT room instead of the emergency room. A CT scan helps doctors quickly confirm a stroke and begin treatment.

By skipping the emergency room in certain cases, the team hopes to shorten the time it takes to diagnose and treat patients.

The exercise also showed strong teamwork between Gothenburg Health staff and the Gothenburg Volunteer Fire Department, which provides EMS services. Participants found the new process worked well and could be carried out smoothly with clear communication.

Beth Bauer, safety officer at Gothenburg Health since September 2023, said the organization is placing a strong focus on emergency preparedness. A recent change was made to separate safety and emergency preparedness roles so more attention could be given to training and planning.

“We’re building drills, testing our capabilities, and finding areas where we can improve,” Bauer said.

As a critical access hospital, Gothenburg Health often stabilizes patients before they are transferred to a higher level of care. That makes it especially important for staff and EMS crews to be prepared and work efficiently.

“Getting a patient to the care they need is important,” Bauer said. “We want to make sure our teams have the skills, tools and training to give patients the best chance of survival.”

Bauer said drills like this are designed to feel as real as possible so staff can build confidence and respond quickly in an actual emergency.

“You perform the way you practice,” Bauer said. “We practice so that our response becomes second nature.”

Under the CMS Emergency Preparedness Rule, hospitals must maintain a comprehensive emergency preparedness program. At Gothenburg Health, leaders are working to go beyond that requirement. Chief Medical Officer Anna Dalrymple supports holding regular training sessions each month, focusing on different types of emergencies as part of a larger commitment to the community.

Through continued training, strong partnerships and updated protocols, Gothenburg Health is working to ensure it is ready to provide fast, effective care in emergency situations when it matters most.