Ascension Sacred Heart stroke team saves patient

A cardiology appointment at Ascension Sacred Heart in Pensacola, Fl, for Bruce’s wife quickly turned into his own medical emergency when he began experiencing stroke symptoms while exiting a second-floor elevator.

Karma M., a neuroscience trauma patient care tech, who was walking the halls from her lunch break, recognized the signs immediately. She called for a wheelchair and expedited Bruce’s transfer to the Emergency Department, activating a coordinated rapid stroke team response.

Once in the ED, the team moved quickly to initiate life-saving care.

Vascular neurologist Dr. Terry Neill administered intravenous thrombolytic therapy used to dissolve the clot and restore blood flow. 

“Early recognition and rapid treatment are critical in stroke care. Every minute matters and we are so grateful for Karma initially noticing his distress and then the team being able to act in a timely manner,” said Dr. Neill. 

Given the severity and location of the blockage, Dr. Nathan Kohler, a neurointerventional radiologist, also performed a mechanical thrombectomy, which is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure used to remove the clot and restore circulation to the brain.

“This technique allows us to directly remove the clot and reestablish blood flow quickly, which can significantly improve outcomes for patients like Bruce,” said Dr. Kohler. 

The sequence of care from symptom recognition to emergency response, imaging, medication administration, and surgical intervention occurred within a critical treatment window and involved multiple specialized teams working in coordination.

This timely, multidisciplinary approach was a key factor in Bruce’s outcome.

Following his recovery, Bruce formally recognized with a submission for a Daisy Award and thanked Karma for identifying his stroke symptoms and initiating care. He also credited Dr. Neill and Dr. Kohler for their clinical expertise and timely intervention, which helped prevent long-term neurological complications.

May is Stroke Awareness Month, and recognizing the signs of stroke using the B.E.F.A.S.T acronym can be lifesaving.

• Balance loss
• Eyesight changes
• Face drooping
• Arm weakness
• Speech difficulty 
• Time to call 911

Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola is a Level I Trauma Center and Comprehensive Stroke Center, providing 24/7 care for complex and life-threatening conditions, including stroke. As the only hospital in Northwest Florida designated as a Comprehensive Stroke Center with a dedicated Neuro ICU, by the Florida Agency for Healthcare Administration and DNV Healthcare, the program brings together neurology, endovascular neurosurgery, and emergency care teams to deliver advanced stroke treatment when minutes matter most.

Schedule your care with Dr. Neill, Dr. Kohler, or one of our stroke specialists.

If you or a loved one is experiencing warning signs of a stroke such as numbness, confusion, trouble speaking, dizziness or loss of balance, every second counts. It's important to call 911 and go to the nearest emergency room right away.