What is the maximum recommended transport time to a stroke center?

The maximum recommended transport time to a stroke center is 30 minutes because rapid access to specialized stroke care is critical for improving patient outcomes. Stroke treatment is time-sensitive; the sooner a patient receives appropriate care, the better the chances of minimizing brain damage and optimizing recovery.

Research and clinical guidelines typically emphasize that patients presenting with stroke symptoms should be transported swiftly to facilities equipped with advanced capabilities for diagnosing and treating strokes, which often correlates with improved prognosis.

Transport times beyond 30 minutes can significantly delay the initiation of treatment options, such as thrombolysis or thrombectomy, which must be performed within strict time windows to be effective. Therefore, aiming for a transport time of 30 minutes supports the urgent nature of stroke interventions and aligns with best practices in emergency medical response protocols.