Smaller counties recently benefited from an Advanced Stroke Life Support (ASLS) class. Residents of Stewart, Webster, Cuthbert and Terrell counties made up the more than 40 people in attendance at the class, which included nurses, paramedics, therapists and a surgeon.

“It’s our hope now that we have provided this area with the skills they need to improve patient outcomes with stroke patients,” said Shawn Burton, Phoebe medical oncology assistant nurse manager. “With their long transport time to Phoebe or either of the two Columbus hospitals that provide stroke care, this training should really benefit the patient.”

The ASLS class focuses on pre-hospital care and the care of stroke patients when they enter a healthcare facility. The goal of ASLS is to promote communication between the field (Emergency Medical Services) and the hospital (Emergency Room) so the proper, immediate care can take place.

A representative from Cuthbert will be available at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital at 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 14, to share his experience with stroke patients in the area and how the class benefited him, his coworkers and the stroke patients they come in contact with. An Advanced Stroke Life Support instructor will also be available.

Future classes will be held throughout the region, but the dates for those classes are undetermined at this time.