HomePress RoomAspirus Tomahawk Hospital Elevates Stroke Care in the Northwoods

Aspirus Tomahawk Hospital Elevates Stroke Care in the Northwoods

  • Published: 6/5/2025

(TOMAHAWK, Wis.) – Aspirus Tomahawk Hospital is improving stroke care for patients across the Northwoods by using national best practices guided by the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® program. These evidence-based protocols are helping ensure that patients in rural communities receive fast, effective treatment when every minute counts.

“Get With The Guidelines is a data-driven, hospital-based quality improvement program,” said Sarah Sherman, RN, Aspirus Tomahawk Hospital Emergency Department. “It helps us track our metrics, but more importantly, it improves our patient care.”

The hospital has developed a streamlined stroke response system that starts even before a patient arrives. “When we recognize the signs of stroke, we call ahead and activate a ‘code stroke,’” said Collin Zoellner, a Paramedic and Aspirus MedEvac Supervisor. “That gives the emergency room time to get the CT scanner ready and assemble the team.”

Using the BE FAST acronym—Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech, Time—staff and EMS providers are trained to recognize stroke symptoms quickly and act immediately. “We want our doctors to see the patient within 10 minutes and have them in the CT scanner within 25,” said Sherman. “If Tenecteplase is indicated, we aim to administer it within 60 minutes of arrival.”

The hospital also utilizes teleneurology consultations through Access TeleCare, providing instant access to stroke specialists regardless of location. “We’ve had neurologists from across the country on screen within minutes,” Sherman added. “That’s been incredibly beneficial for our patients.”

Working closely with EMS has also helped strengthen communication and continuity of care. “We’ve really focused on filling communication gaps,” added Zoellner. “That includes upgraded ambulance radios and dedicated cell phones to keep the connection strong with the hospital.”

For Sherman, the impact of these efforts is clear. “Our stroke activations are happening faster. Our metrics are improving. And ultimately, our patients are getting better care—which is the goal.”

As part of a comprehensive approach, the hospital also focuses on what happens after acute care. “A key part of our stroke care approach is making sure patients, and their families leave with clear, thorough education,” said Bob Towne, RN, Supervisor at Aspirus Tomahawk Hospital. “It’s not just about treating the immediate event—it’s about helping patients understand their risk factors, recognize warning signs, and know how to prevent another stroke. That education extends to families too, so they can be active partners in recovery and ongoing care.”

The staff’s commitment to rapid response, teamwork, and continuous improvement is helping bring high-level stroke care close to home—when it’s needed most. To learn more about Aspirus Tomahawk Hospital, please visit aspirus.org.