Stroke Education and EMS Care Improvement Act of 2026

Congress finds the following:

(1) Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in the United States, with approximately 795,000 people experiencing a stroke annually.

(2) The outcomes of stroke patients are significantly influenced by the timeliness and appropriateness of pre-hospital care provided by emergency medical services.

(3) Variation in emergency medical services (EMS) training and stroke care protocols across different regions of the United States can result in delays in treatment and suboptimal patient outcomes.

(4) Standardized EMS education in stroke care will ensure that EMS professionals are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to recognize stroke symptoms, perform timely assessments, and route patients to the appropriate stroke care centers.

(5) A nationwide standardization of stroke education for EMS clinicians is critical to improving patient outcomes and addressing healthcare disparities in both urban and rural communities.