When someone has a stroke, every second matters. Doctors often say “time is brain” — and that’s not just a catchy phrase. It means that the longer a stroke goes untreated, the more brain cells die. Quick action can be the difference between a full recovery and lasting disability. That’s why Tanner Health’s stroke care-designated emergency departments are ready 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to act fast when a stroke strikes.

At Tanner, you don’t have to wonder where to go or who to call. Our emergency departments have the technology, training and teamwork to recognize a stroke quickly and begin treatment right away. When minutes make all the difference, our team is already in motion.

Understanding what happens during a stroke

A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or interrupted. The brain needs oxygen-rich blood to work properly. Without it, brain cells begin to die within minutes.

There are two main types of strokes:

• Ischemic stroke – This is the most common kind, caused by a blood clot that blocks an artery leading to the brain.
• Hemorrhagic stroke – This happens when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, causing bleeding that damages nearby brain tissue.

In both cases, the result is the same: the brain is starved of oxygen, and the longer it goes without treatment, the more damage occurs. Quick care can mean the difference between speaking and not speaking, walking and not walking, or even life and death.

Recognizing the signs of a stroke

Because time is so important, everyone should know how to recognize the warning signs of a stroke. The easiest way to remember them is with the acronym BE FAST:

• B – Balance: Is the person suddenly dizzy or having trouble walking?
• E – Eyes: Do they have sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes?
• F – Face: Ask them to smile. Does one side of their face droop?
• A – Arms: Ask them to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
• S – Speech: Is their speech slurred or strange?
• T – Terrible Headache and Time to call 911: If you have or see any of these signs, it’s time to call 911 immediately.

Never wait to see if the symptoms go away. A stroke is a medical emergency, and fast action can save brain function — and lives.

How Tanner responds when a stroke strikes

When a patient with possible stroke symptoms arrives at a Tanner emergency department, the team moves quickly. Because Tanner’s hospitals are designated stroke care centers, the staff are specially trained to recognize and treat stroke symptoms fast.

Here’s what happens behind the scenes:

1. Immediate evaluation – As soon as you arrive, emergency staff begin assessing your symptoms and medical history.
2. Rapid imaging – A CT scan of your brain helps doctors determine what kind of stroke you’re having — a clot or bleeding.
3. Telemedicine with neurologists – Through Tanner’s telemedicine program, a board-certified neurologist can evaluate you within minutes, even if they’re not in the hospital. They see your scans in real time and help decide the best treatment plan.
4. Prompt treatment – If it’s an ischemic stroke caused by a clot, medicine called a clot-buster (tPA) may be given to restore blood flow. In some cases, the team may arrange for advanced procedures to remove the clot directly.

All of this happens in a matter of minutes. Every second counts, and Tanner’s system is designed to save as many of those seconds as possible.

Accredited stroke care close to home

Tanner Health is proud to offer accredited stroke care in our hospitals in Carrollton, Villa Rica and Bremen. Our primary stroke centers are independently credentialed by The Joint Commission and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. That means you can trust that your care meets the highest standards for speed, safety and quality — right here in your community.

You don’t have to travel far or lose precious minutes. Expert stroke care is nearby when every second counts.

Telemedicine: Instant access to experts

Tanner’s telemedicine system helps bring stroke specialists to a patient’s bedside in seconds. Using secure video technology, our emergency teams connect with neurologists who specialize in brain and nerve conditions. These experts review test results, talk with patients and families and help the local team decide the fastest, safest plan.

There’s no waiting for a neurologist to arrive in person. The right care begins right away.

Watch for Part 2: Next, we’ll explore what recovery looks like after a stroke, how Tanner supports rehabilitation and the steps you can take to reduce your stroke risk.

Learn more about stroke care at tanner.org/neurology-care/what-we-offer/stroke-care. Read our second-part blog on Life After Stroke.