Sixty-four percent of stroke patients called 9-1-1 when symptoms appeared and were transported to the hospital in an ambulance, while the rest did not make the call and relied on other types of transportation, according to Meharry Medical College researchers who analyzed more than 200,000 cases. Patients cared for by emergency medical services first responders had shorter delays and received faster treatment. "Prompt diagnosis and early management is essential to decrease morbidity and mortality after stroke," researcher Dr. James Ekundayo said.