Protecting lives is an understatement; it is a component of what we do daily. We awaken without knowing whose life we will affect. This time, a patient presented to our emergency department with left-sided weakness and slurred speech, activating the code for a stroke. She underwent the customary CT scan and neuro assessment, and no further treatment was deemed necessary because her symptoms had been improving since she arrived at the ED. She was warmly welcomed by Erica and assessed immediately.

It was found that her symptoms had gotten worse since she had been in the ED. Erica was very concerned and spoke about her worries in the huddles. Knowing that there also may be hesitations from the physician, and understanding that the patient is still in the window for thrombolytic, she called a nursing leader to discuss the matter without wasting any time and she reported that the patient’s symptoms were different from what has been recorded in ED. Rapid response was activated in DOU and MOD at the patient's bedside, and CTA STAT was completed. The local neurologist and the Tele stroke neurologist had been in contact and in communication, decided TNK is the route to go, and was immediately administered.

A few minutes later, the patient was showing improvement. The patient was followed up by Neurologist the next day and the progress notes say, "Back to Baseline." and I say, "Touched by an Angel." The incident occurred on Friday, and the patient was able to return home on Monday without any deficiencies, continuing to function at their previous level.