What is the purpose of the Los Angeles Prehospital Stroke Screen?

The Los Angeles Prehospital Stroke Screen (LAPSS) is specifically designed to identify strokes, particularly focusing on large vessel occlusions (LVOs). In the context of stroke assessment, LVOs are critical because they typically indicate more severe cases that require rapid intervention, as these types of strokes can lead to significant patient morbidity and mortality.

The LAPSS utilizes a combination of clinical signs and symptoms to facilitate quick identification of potential stroke patients in the prehospital environment. This includes assessing the patient's age, history of seizures, and the presence of specific neurological deficits. By identifying LVOs early, prehospital providers can enhance the chances of timely treatment, which is crucial for improving patient outcomes in stroke care.

Other options do not align with the primary focus of the LAPSS. It has no role in evaluating heart function, assessing motor vehicle accidents, or determining glucose levels, as these aspects fall outside the scope of stroke identification and management.