Mobile stroke units shorten time to intra-arterial thrombectomy for patients, compared with standard evaluation by paramedic services, new findings show.

The US study is the first to demonstrate improved door-to-puncture time in patients brought directly to the ED via mobile stroke units compared with emergency medical services, the researchers write in Stroke.

In the mobile stroke unit, patients can undergo CT and neurological examination, and receive tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) before arriving at the ED.

Melbourne hospital was the first in Australia to introduce a stroke vehicle, a specially designed ambulance with a portable CT scanner, staffed by a neurologist, nurse, radiographer and two paramedics.