Stroke survivor reunites with Tri-State first responders who saved his life

CINCINNATI (WXIX) - A Tri-State man reunites with the emergency medical services crew that saved his life when he suffered a severe stroke.

The patient, Steve, woke up one morning unable to speak and paralyzed on one side of his body. His wife, Phyllis, immediately called 911.

According to Green Township Fire and EMS, emergency medical services and the University of Cincinnati Health Mobile Stroke Unit responded to Steve and Phyllis' home, where Green Township EMS provided initial treatment.

Steve, unable to speak or move half of his body, received a CAT scan in the UC Health Mobile Stroke Unit, which confirmed the suspected stroke. With Phyllis's permission, first responders gave him a clot-busting medication.

"That's what really saved me. Brought me back." Steve says.

The UC Health Mobile Stroke Unit, one of only 25-30 in the world, is a specialized ambulance that allows medical professionals to diagnose and treat a stroke at the patient's home.

"We're actually able to bring the emergency department to a patient's curbside," Professor of Emergency Medicine Dr. Christopher Richards says. "So, what really happens in that first half hour or 45 minutes, we can do the vast majority of in the back of mobile stroke unit. So, we're able to cut off that requisite time of transport from the home to the hospital."

After his at-home treatment, Steve was transported to the UC Hospital, where he stayed for eight days and fully recovered.

"Through a lot of different tests and things, I got out," Steve explains. "I'm walking and breathing and talking."

On Thursday, he was able to hug and thank those first responders who saved his life that day.

"They're the best. The best. I love them all." Steve says.

Steve also thanks his wife of 63 years, Phyllis, for her part in saving his life.

Dr. Richards urges that picking up the phone and calling 911 as soon as stroke symptoms happen is critically important. The signs to look out for are:

Facial drooping

Arm weakness

Speech changes

Steve now understands the importance of timely treatment and hopes to raise awareness to save other's lives.