Collaboration and innovative technology leads to advances in stroke care at Mount St. Mary's Hospital

Mount St. Mary’s Hospital has launched Pulsara, a cutting-edge technology that improves communication between emergency medical services (EMS) providers/first responders in the field with emergency department specialists at the hospital. The hospital said, “Pulsara is a secure, cloud-based system that works with smartphone or tablet devices. It offers real-time triage and assessment consultations between EMS and ER providers, which is especially crucial for stroke patients on route to the hospital.”

“Having this two-way communication and being able to securely transmit important patient information is an invaluable tool for both the first responders and the ER team back at the hospital,” said Emily Rowles, lead EMS liaison for Catholic Health. “The intuitive app allows first responders to transmit vital patient data and conduct live video consults right from the ambulance, saving critical time when stroke patients arrive at the hospital.”

A press release said, “Pulsara is a significant addition to Mount St. Mary’s stroke service capabilities, which includes a team of dedicated neurologists and an onsite MRI. Mount St. Mary’s Neurology Center offers initial and follow-up care, while rehabilitation and primary care services are available at several locations throughout Niagara County. The hospital’s stroke team serves as an educational resource for clinical staff, stroke patients and their families, as well as the local community, while EMS liaisons continue to support EMS partners through education and outreach.”

“As we continue to implement innovative ways to serve stroke patients in our community, the addition of Pulsara benefits our patients, first responders, and ER providers, expediting time-sensitive care when minutes matter the most,” said Mount St. Mary’s stroke coordinator, Christina Hayek-Milicia, ANP-BC. “Pulsara is a vital tool that supports our comprehensive continuum of neurological care to provide the highest quality stroke services to patients throughout the Niagara region.”

Mount St. Mary’s is a New York State Designated Stroke Center, and recently received the American Heart Association’s “Get with the Guidelines” award for stroke care.