AURORA, Colo. -- Three mobile medical units designed specifically to treat stroke patients exist in the nation, and one resides in Colorado.
University of Colorado Health has rolled out its mobile stroke treatment unit, which was first announced in May. The unit has become the third in the nation and first in the region to embark on speedy treatment and blood-clot busting medication to patients.
Although the unit looks like an ambulance, it is actually an emergency department on wheels, fully equipped with a CT scanner, lab testing and a fully trained critical care nurse.
Officials at UC Health say strokes are the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S. and the leading cause of adult disability.
The mobile stroke unit is expected to serve patients in Denver, Aurora and Colorado Springs.