"Securing the Golden Hour"... Gyeongnam Information College Health Office Nurse Responds Swiftly to Suspected Cerebral Infarction Patient

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The swift response of a university health office nurse, who secured the golden hour by quickly managing a suspected case of cerebral infarction on campus, is drawing attention.

On September 19, Somi Lee, a nurse at Gyeongnam Information College, identified classic symptoms of a suspected stroke (cerebral infarction) while counseling a student, referred to as Student A, who visited the health office complaining of headache and facial pain.

Nurse Lee immediately arranged for Student A to be transferred to a nearby general hospital for emergency diagnosis and treatment, which enabled the student to overcome the crisis.

For cerebral infarction, it is critical to secure the golden hour, as starting treatment within three hours of symptom onset is strongly recommended. If treatments such as thrombolytic therapy are delayed, it can lead to severe aftereffects or even death, making the initial response a major factor in the patient's prognosis.

Thanks to Nurse Lee's quick judgment, Student A received emergency care in Busan and was then transferred to a tertiary general hospital in Seoul for neurological imaging tests such as MRI. The student was diagnosed with Moyamoya disease, a rare cerebrovascular disorder, and is currently continuing treatment.

The university explained, "Nurse Lee's extensive practical experience, gained while working at major hospitals such as the Dongnam Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, greatly contributed to her prompt decision-making."

Somi Lee stated, "It was most rewarding to be able to take appropriate action by suspecting cerebral infarction based on the student's symptoms and my prior experience," adding, "I hope the student recovers well and returns to school in good health."

Somi Lee from the Health Office at Gyeongnam Information College (left) is consulting with a student. Provided by Gyeongnam Information College