- The mobile Stroke Video Triage (SVT) system enables live video consultations from the roadside, improving stroke diagnosis.
- The trial delivered a 93% drop in connectivity issues and even worked flawlessly in areas officially classed as having no mobile signal.
What happened: A trial in England equips NHS paramedics with video links to consult stroke specialists in real time
A partnership between Excelerate Technology and the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) launched a mobile Stroke Video Triage (SVT) trial, enabling paramedics to stream real-time video from the roadside and consult stroke specialists directly. The goal was to replicate “hospital-grade connectivity” so medics could diagnose strokes earlier and convey patients to the most appropriate care—whether that be thrombolysis, thrombectomy, or outpatient TIA clinics.
The system combines a long-range cellular antenna with a bonded router that intelligently merges multiple network links, ensuring superior coverage . Deployed across five ambulance vehicles from October 2024 to July 2025, the trial achieved remarkable results: A 93% reduction in reported SVT connectivity issues and 100% successful connections even in officially no-signal areas. 64% of cases reporting strong-to-excellent signal strength. Notably, in a coastal Chelmsford location marked by Ofcom as having zero coverage, uninterrupted video consultation was maintained throughout the incident .
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Why it’s important
Timely and accurate stroke diagnosis is critical—every minute of delay can substantially worsen outcomes. Traditional challenges, especially in rural and coastal areas, mean that poor signal often forces paramedics to default to conveying patients to A&E, even when a stroke is unlikely. This leads to unnecessary hospital admissions and strains emergency departments.
This trial demonstrates how enhancing mobile connectivity can transform prehospital care. A reliable video link allows frontline crews to triage suspected stroke patients more accurately, directing them swiftly to specialist units. Beyond stroke, this model could extend to remote assessments for cardiac events, trauma, or even psychiatric emergencies, paving the way for a new era in emergency telemedicine.
The trial’s success offers a compelling blueprint for broader adoption within the NHS and internationally. As vehicle-mounted connectivity continues improving—and costs fall—the approach could become a cornerstone of modern, digitally enabled ambulance services, delivering faster and smarter care where it matters most.
