For a patient suspected of having a stroke, what should be ensured before transport?

For a patient suspected of having a stroke, maintaining the airway is critical prior to transport. This is because individuals experiencing a stroke may have impaired consciousness, difficulty swallowing, or weakness that can compromise their ability to maintain a clear airway. Ensuring a patent airway is fundamental to prevent aspiration and ensure adequate ventilation and oxygenation during transport.

Additionally, a compromised airway can lead to respiratory distress or failure, which is especially significant in the context of a neurological emergency where rapid intervention is needed. If the airway is not secure, any further management, including administering medications or treatments, becomes unsafe.

While other considerations, such as blood pressure management, might also be important in the context of stroke care, they do not take precedence over airway management. Administering antibiotics or performing a CT scan immediately is not typically part of the initial care pre-transport for suspected stroke, making them less relevant in this urgent context.