Ozarks Healthcare to Host Annual EMS Stroke Education Event

Ozarks Healthcare will host an EMS Stroke Education Event on Friday, March 6, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Willard Hunter Classroom, located at 1211 Porter Wagoner Blvd. in West Plains.

This free, day-long educational event is designed for emergency medical service (EMS) professionals and will feature timely, practical training focused on stroke recognition, response, and care. Topics will include acute stroke updates, the history of regional stroke care, acute pediatric stroke care, the MEND method, Pulsara use in the field, EMS-to-hospital coordination, and post-stroke care.

The event aligns with Ozarks Healthcare’s continued investment in advanced stroke services, including its recent achievement of Primary Stroke Center (PSC) Certification from the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC).

The Primary Stroke Center Certification recognizes hospitals that meet rigorous, third-party standards for the rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke, including the use of evidence-based protocols, rescue medications, 24/7 specialized coverage, and close coordination with EMS. As a Level II Stroke-designated facility, Ozarks Healthcare ensures patients in the region can receive expert, life-saving stroke care close to home without traveling long distances. The next closest Level II stroke facilities are more than 100 miles away.

Attendees will hear interactive presentations from local EMS staff, state health officials, and Ozarks Healthcare providers, with opportunities for discussion and hands-on learning. Lunch will be provided.

The event is free to attend, but registration is required. Participants are encouraged to register using the QR code provided.

For questions or additional information, call 417-256-9111 ext. 5527.

Ozarks Healthcare is a not-for-profit health system that serves more than 160,000 residents across south-central Missouri and northern Arkansas. With its main campus residing in West Plains, Missouri, the health system offers a full spectrum of healthcare for all ages through its 114-bed hospital, behavioral health, therapies, pharmacies, rehabilitation, and home care services, along with specialty and family medicine clinics. Ozarks Healthcare has rural locations across an eight-county service area and is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations.