Background/Aims
Stroke is a time-critical emergency in which earlier diagnosis may enable earlier treatment. The Australian Stroke Alliance and EMVision are collaborating to advance portable, non-ionising electromagnetic brain scanning technology to improve access to rapid stroke diagnosis beyond conventional imaging environments. The EMVision First Responder is a lightweight, helmet-sized scanner designed for prehospital use, including Mobile Stroke Unit and aeromedical retrieval settings with the Royal Flying Doctor Service. We report two early implementation studies evaluating this technology in real-world prehospital workflows. Both aimed to assess feasibility, usability and workflow integration across Mobile Stroke Unit and aeromedical retrieval settings.
Methods
Both were prospective, single-arm, non-randomised implementation studies of the EMVision First Responder brain scanner in prehospital environments. One study evaluated workflow implementation and usability during aeromedical retrievals in South Australia; the second evaluated workflow implementation and usability in the Melbourne Mobile Stroke Unit. Adult participants underwent scanning only when this would not delay clinical assessment, treatment or transport. Outcomes included usability, workflow metrics, scan success, procedure timing, safety events and device deficiencies.
Results
Both studies remain in progress, with enrolment expected to conclude imminently. Engineering analysis indicates the First Responder is collecting scan data as intended in real-world prehospital environments. Usability feedback has informed future device iterations, particularly regarding device handling, connectivity and user interface. No device-related adverse events have occurred.
Conclusion
These studies are an important step toward a scalable prehospital diagnostic platform for stroke, supporting earlier diagnosis, faster treatment decisions and more equitable access to time-critical stroke care.