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Stroke is most likely to occur for people who are age 55 or older.

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Strokes are among the leading causes of death and disability in the United States.

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This post relates to our topic by highlighting key statistics and demographic trends related to strokes across the country.

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Ischemic stroke

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Hemorrhagic strokes are less common than ischemic strokes, accounting for approximately 13% of all stroke cases.
They occur when a weakened blood vessel ruptures, causing bleeding into the surrounding brain tissue. This accumulation of blood puts pressure on the brain, leading to damage.
Hemorrhagic strokes are especially dangerous due to their sudden onset and rapidly worsening symptoms

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Anatomical Structures Affected by Stroke: Brain & Blood Vessels

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Anatomical Structures Affected by Stroke: Brain & Blood Vessels

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This post focuses on the main anatomical structures involved in a stroke, the brain and the cerebral arteries, especially the middle cerebral artery. These arteries are essential for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the brain. When one of these arteries is blocked or bursts, the brain tissue it supplies is at risk of injury or death. This ties directly to our group discussion on how different brain areas can be affected depending on the stroke’s location.

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The primary anatomical structures involved in stroke are the brain, particularly the cerebral cortex and subcortical regions; the cerebral arteries, including the middle cerebral artery, anterior cerebral artery, and posterior cerebral artery. Other areas of the brain might be affected as well that maintain blood brain barrier integrity.

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Physiological Process: Hemorrhagic Stroke and Brain Bleeding

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Physiological Process: Hemorrhagic Stroke and Brain Bleeding

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The following physiological processes are involved in stroke: The regulation of blood flow to brain tissue, oxygen and nutrient delivery, and waste removal are critical physiological processes affected by stroke. A hemorrhagic stroke happens when a blood vessel in the brain bursts and causes bleeding. The leaked blood puts pressure on brain tissue and damages brain cells. This can lead to swelling and a loss of oxygen and nutrients in the affected areas.

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Physiological Process: Ischemic Stroke and Blocked Arteries

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Physiological Process: Ischemic Stroke and Blocked Arteries

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This post illustrates how an ischemic stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks a cerebral artery, cutting off the brain’s supply of oxygen and nutrients. This leads to cell death in the affected brain region. Our group identified this as the most common type of stroke and a key example of how disrupted blood flow affects brain function.

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Sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the face, arm, or leg, is one of the most common and important early warning signs of a stroke. This symptom occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted, affecting the areas that control muscle movement. As a result, the person may experience difficulty with coordination, balance, or even complete paralysis on one side of the body. This is a key component of the F.A.S.T. stroke recognition test: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to call emergency services. Acting quickly when this symptom appears is critical, as early medical treatment can significantly reduce long-term damage. In many cases, numbness or weakness is the first noticeable sign, and recovery may require physical therapy if the weakness persists.

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Symptom: Sudden Confusion

Sudden confusion is when a person can't think clearly, understand what’s happening, or remember simple details like where they are or who they’re with. It can also look like disorientation or trouble keeping up with conversations. Sudden confusion is a key sign of a stroke. When blood flow to the brain is blocked or disrupted, areas that control thinking and memory can become damaged, leading to confusion. Research shows that confusion is often one of the earliest warning signs of a stroke. It's critical to seek help quickly, as faster treatment can reduce the risk of long-term brain damage and improve recovery chances. Recognizing confusion early can be life-saving.

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There are multiple types of vision loss that are common after a stroke, including visual field loss, such as Hemianopia or Quadrantanopia, blurriness, blindness in one or both eyes, unsteady eye movements, or the inability to move the eyes in certain directions. Which type of vision loss occurs depends on where the injury took place and what parts of the brain are damaged. The occipital cortex receives data from the nerves in the eyes and processes our vision, so if one side or the whole of the occipital cortex is damaged, it can cause vision loss or visual field loss. However, if the nerves in the eyes themselves are damaged, this can effect the movement of the eyes.

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Vision loss after stroke fact sheet | Stroke Foundation - Australia

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Found on Google from strokefoundation.org.au

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One of the first signs of a stroke is usually a severe headache. Headaches are most commonly associated with Hemorrhagic strokes, since a brain vessel will typically rupture and cause a brain bleed. One sign of a larger stroke is a "thunderclap headache", which is a sudden, severe headache that effects the entire head.

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Stroke symptoms: Severe headache that comes for no reason could ...

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Found on Google from timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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Diagnostic: Physical Exam
A physical exam is a thorough check-up conducted by a healthcare provider to assess your overall health. During the exam, the doctor will evaluate various aspects of your body, such as your heart rate, blood pressure, and lung function, to identify any irregularities. They may also assess your neurological health by testing reflexes, muscle strength, balance, coordination, and sensory responses (like touch or pain). The goal is to detect any physical signs of illness or injury that could explain symptoms like confusion, numbness, weakness, or visual disturbances. The doctor may also observe your mental state to see if you are disoriented or have difficulty answering questions, which can help identify neurological issues. In the case of a stroke, a physical exam is essential in quickly identifying signs of brain damage or dysfunction. For example, if a person experiences sudden confusion, numbness, or weakness, the doctor will look for signs that suggest which part of the brain may be affected. During the exam, they may ask the person to move their arms or legs, check if they can speak clearly, and observe if they show any signs of paralysis or impaired coordination. The physical exam helps the doctor narrow down which area of the brain could be impacted, such as the frontal lobe or the motor cortex, which can guide further testing. A physical exam is typically the first step in diagnosing a stroke or any neurological emergency. It allows the healthcare provider to gather critical information quickly, especially if the person is showing symptoms like confusion, sudden weakness, or trouble speaking. The doctor will also look for asymmetry, like one side of the face drooping or one arm being weaker than the other, which could point to a stroke affecting a specific part of the brain. In some cases, based on the physical exam findings, the doctor may order additional tests such as a CT scan or MRI to confirm the diagnosis of a stroke and understand its severity. Early detection through a physical exam can be life-saving, as quick intervention is crucial to reducing the long-term effects of a stroke or other brain-related issues.

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This is a illustration of the human brain and body, showing how a stroke in one hemisphere affects the opposite side of the body.

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Long Term Consequences: Post-Stroke Paralysis

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Long Term Consequences: Post-Stroke Paralysis

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Post-stroke paralysis happens when a stroke damages the part of the brain that controls movement, often leaving one side of the body weak or completely unable to move. This usually affects the side opposite the stroke in the brain. For many people, the paralysis starts right away and can vary from slight weakness to total loss of movement, depending on how severe the stroke was and where it occurred. This kind of complication can deeply affect daily life, making it hard to walk, get dressed, or do basic tasks without help. Recovery takes time and effort, often involving physical and occupational therapy to rebuild strength and regain independence. It’s one of the most common and life-changing effects of a stroke, which is why early treatment and long-term support are so important.

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This image shows a brain scan highlighting areas affected by stroke. Imaging tools like CT and MRI scans are crucial for diagnosing stroke type, ischemic or hemorrhagic, and guiding life-saving treatment decisions.

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When a stroke is suspected, brain imaging is essential for a fast and accurate diagnosis. A CT (Computed Tomography) scan is usually the first test performed in the emergency room. It uses X-rays to create detailed images of the brain and helps doctors quickly determine whether the stroke is ischemic (caused by a blocked artery) or hemorrhagic (caused by bleeding). This distinction is critical because each type requires a different form of treatment. CT scans are fast, widely available, and excellent for detecting bleeding or large areas of damage, although they may not detect very small strokes. In contrast, an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) provides more detailed images using magnetic fields and radio waves. MRIs are particularly useful for identifying small or deep strokes that might not appear on a CT scan. While MRIs take longer and are not always used in emergency settings, they are often used later to assess the full extent of brain injury and to guide recovery planning. Together, CT and MRI play a vital role in diagnosing stroke and shaping timely, effective treatment.

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A visual example of a mechanical thrombectomy, where a catheter is guided through a blood vessel to remove a clot from the brain. This life-saving procedure helps restore blood flow during severe ischemic strokes and can greatly reduce long-term damage when performed quickly.

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Mechanical thrombectomy is an advanced stroke treatment used to remove a blood clot from a blocked artery in the brain. This procedure is most effective for patients experiencing a severe ischemic stroke caused by a large vessel occlusion. During the procedure, doctors insert a catheter, usually through an artery in the groin, and guide it up to the brain to physically remove the clot, restoring blood flow to the affected area. Thrombectomy offers the best outcomes when performed within 6 to 24 hours after stroke symptoms begin, making early detection and emergency response critical. It is typically performed in specialized stroke centers and is often used in cases where the clot is too large for medication alone (like tPA) to break up. Mechanical thrombectomy has become a life-saving option that can significantly reduce long-term disability in eligible stroke patients.

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Treatment: tPA (Tissue Plasminogen Activator)

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Treatment: tPA (Tissue Plasminogen Activator)

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Treatment: tPA (Tissue Plasminogen Activator)

tPA is a medication used to break down blood clots that are blocking blood flow to the brain. It's a clot-busting drug that works by dissolving the clot and restoring blood flow, which helps to prevent or minimize brain damage. tPA is often given through an intravenous (IV) drip in the hospital, usually within a few hours after the onset of symptoms like sudden confusion, numbness, or weakness. tPA is a primary treatment for ischemic stroke, which occurs when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel in the brain. Since one of the key symptoms of an ischemic stroke is sudden confusion (due to lack of blood flow to brain regions), tPA is crucial for treating the condition. The drug can reverse the blockage and prevent long-term damage if administered quickly. The sooner tPA is given, the better the outcome, as it helps to restore blood flow to the brain and limit the extent of brain injury. Research shows that tPA is most effective if given within 3 to 4.5 hours of the first signs of a stroke. After this time window, the risk of serious side effects, such as bleeding, increases, and the benefits of tPA decrease. Studies have shown that tPA can improve recovery outcomes and reduce the severity of long-term complications like paralysis, speech impairment, and cognitive issues. However, tPA is not recommended for certain types of stroke, like hemorrhagic strokes, where a brain bleed is the cause, because it can worsen the bleeding. As such, quick and accurate diagnosis is essential before administering tPA.

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Long Term Consequences: Impaired Speech (Aphasia)

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Long Term Consequences: Impaired Speech (Aphasia)

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Impaired speech, also known as aphasia, is a condition where a person has difficulty speaking, understanding language, reading, or writing. It can range from having trouble finding the right words to being completely unable to speak or comprehend speech. People with aphasia may also mix up words or have trouble forming sentences, making communication challenging.

Impaired speech is a common long-term consequence of a stroke, especially when the stroke affects the left side of the brain, which controls language in most people. If a stroke damages areas such as Broca’s area (responsible for speech production) or Wernicke’s area (responsible for understanding language), it can lead to aphasia. Since one of the early signs of a stroke can be sudden confusion or trouble speaking, aphasia is often one of the major ongoing challenges faced by stroke survivors.

Research shows that aphasia is present in about 25–40% of stroke patients. Depending on the severity and location of the stroke, aphasia can range from mild difficulties with word recall to complete inability to speak or understand others. Therapy, particularly speech-language therapy, plays a key role in improving communication skills after a stroke. While some recovery is possible, many stroke survivors with aphasia continue to struggle with language skills, and recovery often takes time. Early intervention is crucial, as the brain has a better ability to adapt and heal in the first few months after the stroke.

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A common complication that comes after a stroke is dysphagia, or trouble swallowing. This often comes from nerve damage in the right hemisphere of the cerebral cortex, which often controls speech and language comprehension. This can cause the throat to have trouble contracting, causing food or drink to slide into the lungs instead of going down the throat. The most common treatments of this are physical therapy, speech therapy, cognitive exercises, medication, diet changes, and possibly corrective surgery.

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There are many different emotional issues that can evolve after a stroke, including depression, mood swings, irritability, and anxiety. These can be caused by damage to the brain from the stroke, or even evolve from dealing with the aftermath of the stroke. If left unmanaged, these issues can become overwhelming. While it may seem easy to overlook when compared to other complications after a stroke, these issues can be serious and will need to be monitored, as these issues can cause a person to become a danger to themself or others.

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CVA Symptoms: Recognizing the Warning Signs of a Stroke ...

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Medical Treatments and Cost: Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility (IRF) Care

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Medical Treatments and Cost: Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility (IRF) Care

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Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities (IRFs) play a critical role in post-stroke recovery, especially during the first few weeks after hospital discharge. These specialized centers provide around-the-clock medical care alongside intensive rehabilitation services, typically including physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Patients in IRFs participate in structured programs with at least three hours of therapy per day, five days a week, which can significantly improve outcomes such as mobility, independence, and communication. The multidisciplinary approach also helps address medical needs while promoting physical and cognitive recovery.

and may involve deductibles and co-insurance.

Cost & Insurance Coverage: The cost of an IRF stay typically ranges from $15,000 to $40,000 for a 2–4 week program, depending on severity of the stroke and the facility’s location. Medicare Part A generally covers this care if the patient meets certain requirements, such as needing multiple therapies and being able to actively participate. Medicare covers 100% of the cost for the first 20 days and offers partial coverage for up to 100 days with a co-pay. Most private insurance plans also cover IRF stays, but they usually require prior authorization and may involve deductibles and co-insurance.

Long-Term Consequences if Avoided: Avoiding inpatient rehabilitation due to cost or access issues can significantly hinder a person’s long-term recovery. Without early and intensive rehab, many stroke survivors experience lasting impairments in mobility, speech, and daily function. This may increase the need for long-term care or result in a lower quality of life due to dependence on caregivers. Additionally, avoiding early rehab can lead to higher rates of falls, hospital readmissions, and mental health decline due to frustration or isolation.

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Blood Pressure management and treatment 

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Blood Pressure management and treatment 

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Managing blood pressure is very important, especially after having a stroke. It helps prevent another stroke and protects the heart, brain, and kidneys. Treatment usually includes eating healthy, staying active, and taking daily medicine. Without insurance, medicine can cost around $300 a month, but with insurance or Medicare, it’s often much cheaper. Many insurance plans also help pay for home blood pressure monitors, which cost about $40 to $100. Some people join special programs for extra support, which cost about $170 a year. Skipping treatment can lead to another stroke, heart problems, or kidney failure. Taking care of your blood pressure now can save money and protect your health in the future.

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Stroke support groups offer an essential psychosocial resource for survivors and their families, providing a safe space to share experiences, emotional struggles, and practical tips for adapting to life post-stroke. These groups can be led by healthcare professionals or peers, and they help reduce the isolation that many survivors feel during recovery. By hearing from others who are going through similar challenges, participants often feel more understood, less alone, and more hopeful about their recovery. Support groups can also provide valuable information about community resources, rehabilitation programs, and emotional coping tools.

Focus & Provider: These groups target emotional and social needs, including managing post-stroke depression, anxiety, grief, and adjusting to a changed sense of identity. Caregivers also benefit by finding a space to express their concerns and learn from others. Depending on the format, groups may be facilitated by licensed social workers, counselors, psychologists, or trained peer mentors.

Long-Term Consequences if Avoided: Without this kind of social and emotional support, stroke survivors may become isolated or depressed, which can reduce their motivation to engage in other rehabilitation activities. Caregivers may also experience burnout, increasing the risk of long-term strain on families. These consequences can have a cascading effect, worsening overall health outcomes and quality of life.

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Speech, Hearing, or Cognitive Rehabilitation: Speech Therapy

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Speech, Hearing, or Cognitive Rehabilitation: Speech Therapy

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Speech therapy is vital for many stroke survivors, especially those affected by conditions such as aphasia (difficulty speaking or understanding), dysarthria (slurred or weak speech), or dysphagia (trouble swallowing). An SLP (Speech-Language Pathologist) evaluates the person’s deficits and tailors a therapy plan to improve verbal communication, cognitive communication like memory, attention, and swallowing function. Therapy may involve exercises, assistive technology, and strategies to help patients rebuild lost skills or learn compensatory techniques. SLPs often work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, or patients’ homes.

Focus & Provider: This treatment directly targets impairments that affect a person's ability to speak clearly, understand language, remember tasks, or safely eat and drink. These are not only quality-of-life issues but also safety concerns, especially in the case of swallowing. Licensed SLPs are the primary professionals delivering this treatment, often as part of a multidisciplinary rehab team.

Long-Term Consequences if Avoided: Avoiding speech-language therapy can severely hinder a stroke survivor's ability to communicate and participate in social or professional life. In cases involving dysphagia, failure to treat can lead to aspiration pneumonia, weight loss, and even life-threatening complications. Furthermore, persistent communication issues often lead to frustration, depression, and withdrawal from social interaction.

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Physical and occupational rehabilitation are two forms of rehab that are often seen as similar, but as a result, they're vastly different! A physical therapist will focus on gross motor skills, such as walking, reaching, or turning. While an occupational therapist might focus on activities of daily living (ADLs). ADLs can include fine motor skills, for example, gripping a toothbrush or kitchen silverware. After a brain injury like a stroke, impairments occur in certain areas of the brain that affect these ADLs. Though even a simple task such as walking (which can be treated with a Physical Therapist), can also be an ADL to some!

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physical and occupational therapy clipart

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Physical Rehabilitation treatment: Physical Therapy (PT)

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Physical Rehabilitation treatment: Physical Therapy (PT)

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Physical therapy is an important part of stroke recovery that helps patients regain strength, balance, and movement. After a stroke, many people experience weakness or paralysis on one side of the body, which can make walking or doing daily activities difficult. Physical therapy focuses on improving mobility and helping patients become more independent. It is considered a long-term treatment because recovery can take weeks, months, or even years. The main goal is to restore as much physical function as possible and prevent problems like muscle stiffness, joint pain, or falls. A licensed physical therapist (PT) is the professional who leads this treatment, using exercises and movement training to help the patient rebuild strength. Therapy sessions can take place in hospitals, rehab centers, or even at home. Physical therapy is essential in helping stroke survivors return to daily life and improve their overall quality of life.

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Stocking up on fresh, whole foods is a key step in stroke recovery and heart health.

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Lifestyle Change: Adopting a Heart-Healthy Diet

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Lifestyle Change: Adopting a Heart-Healthy Diet

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Adopting a heart-healthy diet is a crucial lifestyle change for someone recovering from a stroke. This involves cutting back on sodium, unhealthy fats, and processed foods, while increasing the intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats like omega-3s. These dietary changes help manage blood pressure and cholesterol, which are two major risk factors for having another stroke. On a difficulty scale, we rated this change a 6 out of 10. It can be challenging for patients to adjust, especially if they are used to high-salt or high-fat meals, or if they face barriers like limited access to fresh foods. A registered dietitian can offer essential support by creating a personalized meal plan and providing ongoing guidance and motivation. Although it takes time and effort, this lifestyle change can make a significant difference in long-term recovery and overall health.

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Lifestyle Change: Regular Physical Fitness

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Lifestyle Change: Regular Physical Fitness

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One important lifestyle change for stroke recovery is getting regular physical activity. Exercise helps improve blood flow, lowers blood pressure, and strengthens the body. It can also help with balance and coordination, which many stroke survivors struggle with. Staying active lowers the chances of having another stroke. For many patients, this change can be pretty hard. On a scale from 1 to 10, it might be a 7 because of problems like weakness, fear of falling, or just not feeling motivated. A physical therapist can help by creating a safe and easy-to-follow plan to get the patient moving again.

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Veterans are at higher risk for stroke. Many veterans suffer from PTSD, brain injuries, and high blood pressure, which all raise stroke risk. Some also have trouble accessing healthcare after leaving the military. They may not live near VA hospitals or may have long wait times for appointments. Veterans may also be unaware of stroke warning signs or ignore symptoms. This makes early diagnosis harder. Getting regular care and managing health conditions is also a challenge. Mental health issues can make it harder to follow treatment plans. Veterans might also not feel comfortable asking for help. These issues make stroke more dangerous for them.

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Low-income communities also face high stroke risk. People in these areas often don’t have access to healthy food or good healthcare. They may not be able to afford doctor visits or medicine. Many don’t get regular checkups, so problems like high blood pressure go unnoticed. They might not know the warning signs of stroke or what to do in an emergency. Some areas also don’t have hospitals nearby. Even if help is available, transportation can be a problem. Stress from financial issues also adds to health risks. Health education is often limited in these communities. These factors make it harder to prevent and treat strokes.

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Controlling high blood pressure is a major way to prevent strokes. High blood pressure is one of the biggest causes of stroke. By checking it often and using medicine or lifestyle changes, people can lower their risk. This helps stop damage to blood vessels in the brain. It also keeps the heart healthy. But many people don’t know they have high blood pressure. They may not go to the doctor regularly. Some people also can’t afford medication. Others may forget to take it or stop if they feel fine. This makes it harder to prevent strokes through blood pressure control.

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Living a healthy lifestyle can also lower stroke risk. Eating good foods and getting regular exercise helps prevent health issues like obesity and heart disease. These problems are closely linked to strokes. A healthy lifestyle keeps blood pressure and cholesterol in check. But not everyone has access to healthy food or safe places to be active. Fast food is often cheaper and more available than fresh food. Some people don’t have time to cook or exercise because of work. Others may not know how important these changes are. Without support, it can be hard to stick to healthy habits. This makes prevention a challenge in many areas.

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Technologies for Stroke Prevention & Diagnosis

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Technologies for Stroke Prevention & Diagnosis

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Two important technologies that help in the prevention and diagnosis of stroke are CT scans and wearable blood pressure monitors. A CT scan is often the first tool used in emergency settings to quickly detect bleeding, blockages, or brain damage from a stroke. It plays a crucial role in diagnosis, helping doctors determine the type of stroke so they can act fast. However, CT scans do have limitations as they may not catch smaller or very early strokes, and they involve exposure to radiation.

On the prevention side, wearable blood pressure monitors allow people to track their blood pressure in real time, which is essential since high blood pressure is one of the biggest risk factors for stroke. These devices support stroke prevention, but they can be expensive and sometimes difficult to use consistently or interpret without medical help. While both technologies are extremely helpful, access, cost, and user understanding can limit their overall effectiveness.

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 Technologies for Stroke Treatment & Recovery

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 Technologies for Stroke Treatment & Recovery

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Two major technologies used in stroke treatment and recovery are tPA (tissue plasminogen activator) and robotic rehabilitation devices. tPA is a powerful medication used in emergency settings to break up blood clots during an ischemic stroke. It can be lifesaving by restoring blood flow to the brain, but it must be given within a narrow window, usually within 3 to 4.5 hours after symptoms start, and it’s not suitable for all patients, especially those experiencing a hemorrhagic stroke.

On the rehabilitation side, robotic therapy devices like robotic arms or exoskeletons help stroke survivors regain strength, coordination, and movement. These devices are used in recovery, specifically during physical therapy. However, they can be expensive, aren’t always available in every facility, and may not work for patients with severe limitations. Together, these technologies offer important support after a stroke, but timing, access, and cost can impact how widely and effectively they’re used.

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Public Health Interventions: Promoting healthy choices and behaviors and Public Awareness

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Public Health Interventions: Promoting healthy choices and behaviors and Public Awareness

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Promoting healthy choices and behaviors involves promoting things like hydration, exercise, and a well-balanced diet. While this may seem obvious, these things help keep the brain and body fueled and functioning, which can help to prevent a stroke. Public awareness involves spreading information so that people know how to spot a stroke, how to prevent it, and what to do when/if you witness a stroke or it happens to you. An example of this is the more well-known acronym "FAST" which associates the letters of the word to common signs of an impending stroke. A short word like this is easy to remember, and even if a person doesn't remember what each letter stands for, even if they just remember one sign or symptom, they might just help save a life.

Both of these public health interventions targets individuals. While it targets the population as a whole, it is up to the individual to stay vigilant and aware.

The biggest challenges that may come from implementing these interventions are getting people to listen and understand the dangers of a stroke and the importance of being aware, and actually getting the word out there. You might be most likely to hear these things in a doctors office, but many people don't go to the doctors as often as they should, since medical costs are so high and many people don't want to deal with copays and bills, or may not even have insurance. Many people also tend to believe that these things will never happen to them, and they write off warnings and information as things they'll never need to know, and then when it does happen to them, they are unprepared.

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Public Health Interventions: Developing Stroke Systems of Care and Mobile Stroke Units

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Public Health Interventions: Developing Stroke Systems of Care and Mobile Stroke Units

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Stroke Systems of Care, or SSOC, is a system being implemented that aims to make the care of stroke patients quicker and more efficient. This can involve things like avoiding too much transition from care unit to care unit, and keeping up communications with the patient and the patients family.

Mobile stroke units are a type of ambulance or emergency dispatch unit that has staff and equipment specifically for treating a stroke. This type of emergency unit would deeply benefit stroke care because it would allow the patient to start receiving immediate medical attention while on the way to the hospital, which would raise their chance of survival.

Both of these public health interventions target changes in policy. It could be difficult to implement these interventions, however. The main reason would be the cost. Creating new vehicles with new staff and high tech equipment made specifically for one health crisis, as helpful as it would be, would cost a lot of money and resources. And creating entirely new systems of care could also be cost and resource heavy. Many areas of the US do not have these funds, and Americans struggle enough with medical bills, that adding another service for them to pay for might cause upset.