Stroke/TIA: which step is included in the S-123 BLS protocol?

Stroke/TIA: which step is included in the S-123 BLS protocol?

• A. Monitor blood glucose
• B. Administer insulin
• C. Perform chin lift only
• D. Apply ECG

Answer: (A)

Checking blood glucose early is essential in stroke/tocus evaluation because hypoglycemia can imitate stroke symptoms. The S-123 BLS stroke/TIA protocol includes monitoring blood glucose as part of the initial assessment to quickly identify and treat low glucose, which can reverse symptoms and prevent misdiagnosis. Administering insulin isn’t a BLS step for stroke care; it’s used to correct high blood sugar and requires medical direction. The chin lift is a general airway maneuver, not a stroke-specific step, and applying ECG, while useful in many EMS runs, isn’t the step singled out for the stroke/TIA portion of this protocol. So monitoring blood glucose is the best choice because it directly supports recognizing a reversible cause of the presentation and guides appropriate early management.

Checking blood glucose early is essential in stroke/tocus evaluation because hypoglycemia can imitate stroke symptoms. The S-123 BLS stroke/TIA protocol includes monitoring blood glucose as part of the initial assessment to quickly identify and treat low glucose, which can reverse symptoms and prevent misdiagnosis. Administering insulin isn’t a BLS step for stroke care; it’s used to correct high blood sugar and requires medical direction. The chin lift is a general airway maneuver, not a stroke-specific step, and applying ECG, while useful in many EMS runs, isn’t the step singled out for the stroke/TIA portion of this protocol. So monitoring blood glucose is the best choice because it directly supports recognizing a reversible cause of the presentation and guides appropriate early management.