Ted Kennedy Suffers Stroke

Responding to an emergency 911 call to the Hyannis port Fire department an ambulance was dispatched to the Kennedy compound where emergency response technicians found Ted Kennedy suffering from what appeared to be stroke symptoms. Reports say Kennedy who is 76, was rushed to the local Cape Cod hospital, but as soon as air evacuation could be arranged was air transported to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston where treatment would follow evaluation by senior hospital staff.

His condition is unknown, but appears to be serious.

The Hyannis fire department reported responding to the 911 call at 8:19 and that the transfer of Kennedy to the local hospital on Cape Cod was made by 8:50 AM. This rapid response and arrival at the hospital all within 31 minutes is favorable for Kennedy as the first rule in responding to a patient demonstrating stroke symptoms is rapid response and rapid treatment. Timely medical treatment of those suffering from strokes caused by blood clots may significantly reduce damage and the potentially harmful after effects of a stroke through the use of very effective clot busting drugs. To use these drugs the treatment facility most completely examine the patient and through the use of MRI's and CAT Scans determine the nature of the stroke prior to using clot busting drugs. Without complete and thorough pre-treatment evaluation medical personnel can not distinguish between a stroke caused by a blood clot as opposed to a hemorrhagic stroke in which the victim's stroke is caused by severe bleeding in the brain. To introduce clot busting drugs in the instance of the latter would only acerbate the problem and increase the likelihood of permanent damage or death.

Kennedy has previously undergone surgery on his carotid artery to reduce blockage and reduce the possibility of a stroke.

Many members of the Kennedy family have rushed to Boston to be with him. Fellow politicians and friends around the world are expressing hopes and prayers for a quick and complete recovery.