UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI  GORDON CENTER FOR RESEARCH IN MEDICAL EDUCATION • PREHOSPITAL & EMERGENCY HEALTHCARE DIVISION

 ADVANCED STROKE LIFE SUPPORT

Introduction to ASLS
Course Overview
MEND Examination
Prehospital Course
Hospital / Prehospital
Course
Efficacy & Outcomes
Course Dissemination & Purchase
Training Options
Course Feedback
References

Gordon Center for Research in Medical Education

MEND EXAMINATION

Miami Emergency Neurologic Deficit (MEND) Exam training is
an integral part of the ASLS course. The MEND Exam:

  • Is easy to learn, easy to use, & provides key information
  • Enhances communication among EMS personnel, nurses, and physicians
  • Is based on the NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS), incorporates the Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale (CPSS), and takes less than 3 minutes to perform

We advise the MEND Exam be taught only as part of the ASLS curriculum and be utilized as follows:

EMS PERSONNEL

  • On scene, first perform ABCs (airway, breathing, and circulation) of emergency care
  • After ABCs, perform CPSS under “D” for disability
  • En route, perform full MEND Exam if time allows (but NOT on scene)

HOSPITAL PERSONNEL

  • Stroke specialists perform NIHSS at key intervals (e.g., pre-t-PA, post-t-PA, at discharge)
  • ED, unit, and floor nurses use MEND Exam as routine neurologic assessment tool for patients with focal deficits

COMING SOON: MEND iPhone App