Arkansas Saves Program Helping Stroke Victims

Arkansas ranks number two in the nation when it comes to stroke deaths and that's an improvement we used to be number one.

But thanks to new technology that connects hospitals across the state more people are living.

KARK's Deedra Wilson spoke to a pastor today that says he's living proof that victims are living longer and not suffering from as many side effects after a stroke.

That's right Jess, first of all recognizing the signs of a stroke is imperative.

Once you do, every second counts, take a look at how a local pastor preaching out of town credits the Arkansas Saves Program for helping him get back to work in the pulpit.

Reverend William Robinson, Pastor of First Baptist Church in North Little Rock.

"No no no, not a stroke!!

Had a scary moment while preaching a sermon on stress.

"I think I'm having a stroke. Because this was gone. Mouth turned, the drooling."

"This whole left side just collapsed I lost use of it."

His friend rushed him to the emergency room in West Memphis, Two and a half hours away from Little Rock, the clock now ticking.

"The technology now that's how it is now."

Robinson is talking about how a doctor at UAMS was able to communicate with him via video to assess whether he was having a stroke.

Arkansas Stroke Assistance through virtual emergency support or Arkansas Saves.

It's in 36 hospitals around the state where a stroke specialist may not reside, come July a half-dozen more will have full access to the program.

Director of Education for Arkansas Saves, Julie Hall-Barrow says this is a major medical breakthrough.

"So through telemedicine we've now taken 4 vascular neurologist that live in Northwest Arkansas, Hot Springs, here at UAMS and we take their brainpower and we distribute through technology."

A doctor at UAMS within ten minutes was able to log on to a computer and determine by video that Robinson was a candidate for the T-PA -- a blood clot dissolving drug critical for stroke patients.

"I mean they got it to me just in time. Some people who are left disabled because they don't get that shot in time."

"So it doesn't matter where you live. We're about at 95 percent of every Arkansan being within 30 minutes of an Arkansas saves site or a primary stroke center and that's what we want."

As you can see Robinson is up and walking. He went through rehab and now his limp is even gone.

"Every time I think about it I kind of get emotional,

And without the immediate help of the Arkansas Saves Program - where would Robinson be now?

"Probably singing with the angels."

Since October 2008 through may of this year more than 1-thousand patients have received a stroke consultation through the Arkansas Saves Program.

out of that -- 244 qualified for the drug T-PA.