Health Disparities in Stroke Care: Black Patients Arrive Later and Face Increased Risks
Black Stroke Patients Experience Delayed Emergency Care
According to a study published in the journal Circulation, Black stroke victims are arriving at emergency rooms much later than their white counterparts, increasing their risk of severe outcomes. With every moment lost in treatment, the risk for brain damage escalates.
Key Findings on EMS Notification
- Black patients are transported to hospitals approximately 28 minutes later after stroke symptoms appear.
- Emergency medical services (EMS) are 20% less likely to provide prior notification to hospitals about incoming Black stroke patients.
- Disparities in healthcare begin even before patients reach hospitals, necessitating urgent reforms.
Broader Implications of Delayed Care
The research highlights systemic issues within EMS care, especially in deprived communities, where the delays can be attributed to environmental factors such as poverty and lack of transportation. The study analyzed more than 600,000 patient cases from the American Heart Association from 2015 to 2019.
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