Every minute counts in stroke care

When James Bennett suddenly suffered a stroke at home, his family recognised the signs and immediately called Triple Zero (000).

Ambulance Victoria (AV) paramedics provided urgent care before transporting James under lights and sirens to the Royal Melbourne Hospital, where the stroke team was ready and waiting. Just 90 minutes after his stroke began, James had regained full movement and speech. Two days later, he was home with his family.

"I am an incredibly lucky person," James said.

"I'll be forever grateful to the paramedics and hospital team who saved my life."

Wanting to give back, James made a donation to AV to help ensure others can benefit from the same life saving care.

His generosity helps support the future of stroke care through research, innovation and specialised equipment that enable paramedics and clinicians to deliver the best possible care when every minute counts.

One example is Ambulance Victoria's Victorian Telestroke Inpatient Service, which connects stroke specialists with regional and suburban hospitals via telemedicine. This innovative service allows more patients to receive expert stroke care closer to home, reducing the need for transfers while improving access to specialist treatment.

AV also operates two specialist Mobile Stroke Units in partnership with Royal Melbourne Hospital equipped with hospital grade CT scanners, telemedicine technology and mobile laboratories. These world leading ambulances enable specialist teams to diagnose stroke and begin treatment before patients even reach hospital, improving their chances of survival and recovery.

Every 19 minutes, someone in Australia experiences a stroke. Community support helps AV continue investing in research, innovation and specialised equipment that improve patient outcomes and give more Victorians, like James, the opportunity for a second chance.

Get involved

The community and our patients are at the heart of everything we do.

You too can make a difference in your community by helping us deliver the best care to people across Victoria.

Find out how you can get involved in supporting AV(opens in a new window).