The Houston Fire Department (HFD) in partnership with Memorial Hermann Health System recently unveiled the nation's first fire department-owned Mobile Stroke Unit (MSU), marking a milestone in emergency medical services and expanding access to lifesaving stroke treatment across Houston.
The new unit, the second serving the city, was officially dedicated in honor of Dr. David Persse, HFD's retired EMS Physician Director, who died Sept. 28, after more than three decades of service to Houston. Dr. Persse was instrumental in advancing Houston's EMS system and helped develop the city's original Mobile Stroke Unit program, launched in 2014. His leadership helped establish Houston as a national leader in delivering advanced emergency medical care before patients reach the hospital.
“Houston deserves a world-class emergency medical system, and this investment is another step toward delivering that level of care to every community we serve,” said Fire Chief Thomas Muñoz. “Our members take tremendous pride in caring for Houstonians, and this new capability will help us provide an even higher level of service when our neighbors need us most.”
The addition represents a significant investment in Houston's emergency medical response capabilities and builds on the city's existing Mobile Stroke Unit program. U.S. Reps. Lizzie Fletcher and Al Green helped secure federal funding for the new unit.
“The generous addition of a second Mobile Stroke Unit by the Houston Fire Department is a lifesaving investment in our community,” said Dr. James McCarthy, executive vice president and chief physician executive for Memorial Hermann Health System. “By bringing specialized stroke care directly to patients when every second matters, we can reduce treatment delays, improve outcomes and give more Houstonians a better chance at recovery.”
Mobile Stroke Units are specially equipped ambulances that bring advanced stroke assessment and treatment directly to patients. By allowing specialized medical teams to evaluate patients and begin treatment before reaching a hospital, these units can significantly reduce delays in care and improve the chances of recovery.
“This new unit represents a major advancement in how we deliver emergency medical care in Houston.” said Dr. Kevin Schulz, HFD EMS Physician Director. “The ability to identify and begin treating a stroke before a patient reaches the hospital can make a meaningful difference in their recovery. Expanding this capability allows us to reach more patients sooner and build on the work Dr. Persse championed throughout his career.”