Video technology to help East Midlands Ambulance Service provide faster treatment for stroke patients in Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire following Leicestershire trial

Video technology is to be rolled out to more ambulance staff to help patients with stroke symptoms receive faster, more accurate treatment, following a successful pilot scheme.

East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) is now to roll out a pioneering video assessment service across Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire, after previously launching in Leicestershire.

The digital technology allows EMAS staff to consult directly with stroke specialists via video call whilst at the scene of an emergency, ensuring patients are taken to the right care centre, first time — reducing pressure on busy A&E departments.

John McKenzie, clinical improvement manager for EMAS, said: “Pre-hospital video triage (PVT) is improving our crews’ ability to best support patients, by using technology to access specialists quickly. This means faster access to the right treatment for patients, working together with hospital partners.”

Since its launch, the Leicestershire pilot has had 318 patients assessed by video call as of September 2025, with 20% of patients being signposted to other services after being recognised as non-stroke presentation — including helping to identify conditions that mimic stroke symptoms including Bell’s palsy, infections, migraines, and transient ischaemic attacks.

Mark Dixon, divisional senior manager for quality at EMAS, added: “Video triage is enabling our staff to access stroke specialist support and make a meaningful difference to patients suffering from stroke. Working with the stroke team at Leicester Royal Infirmary has improved early access to treatment, but also support better management for patients who are not having a stroke, by accessing out-of-hospital services — keeping A&E and stroke teams available for those who need their specialist care.”

In the case that a stroke is detected, time is vital for effective treatment, and the technology will help patients across both urban and rural communities avoid further transfers to specialist units from emergency departments.

It will also enable scanning and treatment resources to be pre-alerted, ready for the patient’s arrival at the specialist unit.

Sarah Adderley, associate director for the midlands at the Stroke Association, said: “We warmly welcome innovations like this that can improve the speed in which a stroke can be diagnosed and we hope it will improve the outcomes for the 90,000 people that survive a stroke each year in the UK.

“240 people wake up to the reality of life after having a stroke every day in the UK. It is the country’s fourth leading cause of death and the leading cause of complex adult disability. Yet, in an instant, time sensitive treatments like thrombectomy, can significantly reduce the chances of a stroke survivor being left with disabilities which can restrict their ability to walk, talk, or even swallow.

“Stroke is a medical emergency and patients must receive fast treatment and care to give them the best chance of survival and recovery. 1.9 million brain cells are lost every minute after a stroke — that’s why we say, ‘time is brain’.”

Symptoms of a stroke can happen suddenly, and may include:

•Face weakness — one side of the face may droop and it might be hard to smile.

•Arm weakness — may not be able to fully lift both arms and keep them there because of weakness or numbness.

•Speech problems — words may be slurred or sound confused.

The easiest way to remember these symptoms is the word FAST. This stands for: face, arms, speech, and time to call 999.

Just one symptom is enough to act FAST.