Behind the Scenes of a “Code Stroke” at MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center

When every second counts, the Comprehensive Stroke Center at MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center is ready. A “Code Stroke” is more than just a call—it’s a rapid, coordinated response that can mean the difference between life and lasting disability. At the heart of this response is a specialized team known as the HyperAcute Stroke Team (HAST), trained to act fast and deliver the most advanced stroke care available.

What Happens During a Code Stroke?

When a patient arrives showing signs and symptoms of a stroke, a Code Stroke is immediately activated. This sets in motion a highly synchronized effort involving multiple departments and specialists. The goal? To assess, diagnose, and treat the patient as quickly and safely as possible.

Meet the HAST RN: The Conductor of the Code Stroke Orchestra

One of the key players in this life-saving response is the HAST RN—a registered nurse with extensive experience in the Neuro Intensive Care Unit. Their role is to get to the patient within minutes of arrival, assess for signs and symptoms of stroke, and work closely with the rest of the stroke team on decision-making and next steps. Because every minute lost means the difference between ability and disability, the close collaboration with the stroke team and quick, safe interventions are a priority. The HAST RN is trained to think critically and act swiftly under pressure, ensuring that no time is wasted when it comes to stroke care. Think of them as the team leader or the conductor of a complex orchestra. They coordinate every moving part of the stroke response, ensuring that communication flows seamlessly between all team members.

The HAST RN works closely with:

• Stroke Neurologists, who evaluate the patient and may prescribe thrombolytics—medications that dissolve the clot causing the stroke.
• Neurointerventional Radiologists, who may perform a mechanical thrombectomy to physically remove the clot from the brain.
• Neurosurgeons, who may be urgently called upon in cases of life-threatening hemorrhagic strokes or brain swelling that require emergency surgery in the operating room or critical bedside procedures.
• Emergency Department physicians and nurses, pharmacists, radiologists, radiology techs, all of whom play vital roles in the patient’s care.

More Than Just the First Few Hours

While the HAST RN is critical during the initial response, their role doesn’t end there. They continue to serve as a resource throughout the patient’s hospital stay, offering guidance and education to both staff and patients about stroke care and recovery.

A Commitment to Excellence

At MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center, our stroke response is built on teamwork, expertise, and a relentless commitment to patient safety. The HAST RN exemplifies this dedication, ensuring that every Code Stroke is met with precision, compassion, and the highest standard of care.

Long Beach Medical Center was the third hospital in Los Angeles County to be designated a Joint Commission Certified Comprehensive Stroke Center, showcasing its commitment to data-driven quality stroke care. With this certification, Long Beach Medical Center joins an elite group of health care organizations focused on highly specialized stroke care.

–Megan Dunfee, BSN, RN, CCRN, SCRN, Stroke Coordinator/ Stroke Nurse

Categorized in: Stories, Stroke Symptoms & Updates