BRISTOL, Tenn. -
Bristol Regional Medical Center was honored Thursday by the American Heart Association with the Gold Plus award for stroke care.
That means BRMC has met national standards for treating stroke victims for two consecutive years.
However, the hospital is just one part of treating a stroke, and preventing permanent brain damage.
In simple terms, a stroke happens when blood flow is restricted to a part of the brain, which can lead to parts of the brain wither and die.
Doctors say speed in treatment is key.
"We have a time problem. We have to treat [patients] within 3 hours, preferably, " said Dr. Earl Wilson, a neurologist and medical director of Bristol Regional Medical Center's Primary Stroke Center.
Treatment in that 180 minute window often starts with emergency workers.
" The quicker you can start the advanced medical treatment out in the field,the better off the patient is,"said Bristol, Tenn. assistant fire chief Jack Spurgeon.
Knowing the symptoms of a stroke can help patients before they get to the hospital.
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Local hospital recognized for excellence in stroke care