What should be done if a patient meets both Trauma Alert and Stroke Alert criteria?

• A. Initiate Trauma Alert only.
• B. Initiate Stroke Alert only.
• C. Transport to the nearest hospital.
• D. Initiate both alerts and transport to a facility that is both a State Approved Trauma Center and Comprehensive Stroke Center.

Answer: (D)

When a patient meets criteria for more than one time-critical specialty, you activate both alerts and route to the facility best equipped to handle all needs. A State Approved Trauma Center plus a Comprehensive Stroke Center can deliver rapid trauma care and acute stroke treatment, including imaging, surgical or neuro-interventional care, and stroke therapies, all in one place. This minimizes delays that could come from treating one condition at a facility focused on only one specialty or from transferring later. Activating just one alert or going to the nearest hospital without the dual capabilities risks missing critical interventions or slowing definitive care, which can worsen outcomes.