CVH Gaining Idaho TSE Level 3 Stroke Certification

By Brooke Potratz, MD

For the last nine months, Clearwater Valley Hospital has been working hard to evaluate and improve our emergency stroke care. We have created a framework and standardized procedures to provide our community with consistent, high-quality stroke care.
A stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain cannot get oxygen to a specific part of your brain. It is caused by a blood vessel either getting blocked or bursting. A stroke causes symptoms of weakness, vision changes, speech problems, and more.

Particular lifestyle and medical conditions increase your risk of having a stroke. Lifestyle choices include smoking/vaping, physical inactivity, and an unhealthy diet. Medical conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, and heart disease also increase your risk. Then, some things increase your risk that you cannot control, including age, gender, and genetics.

To decrease your risk for stroke, eat healthy foods (low in saturated fats, trans fats, and salt), reduce sugary drinks like juice, soda, and energy drinks, maintain a healthy weight, do regular physical activity, limit alcohol, and work with your doctor to control your medical conditions. You can call 1-888-4-STROKE or go to stroke.org for more information.

Recognizing the warning signs of a stroke can be lifesaving. Data shows that the sooner a person seeks care and receives treatment, the better their chance of survival. By being aware of these signs, you can be prepared to act swiftly in case of an emergency.

The BE-FAST exam can help identify symptoms of a stroke:
• Balance Loss
• Eyesight changes
• Face Drooping
• Arm Weakness
• Speech Difficulty
• Time to call 911

CVH is in the process of gaining an Idaho TSE (time-sensitive emergency) Level 3 Stroke Certification for our hospital. Our goal is to create a standardized stroke care process to improve the care and outcomes for stroke patients in our community by providing evidence-based and timely care.