The Pre-Hospital Stroke Spectrum: Early Recognition, Rapid Decisions, and Stroke Pathways with Maren Ranhoff Hov

Today on the Pre‑Hospital Care Podcast, we welcome Dr Maren
Ranhoff Hov, a leading figure in the evolving field of
pre-hospital stroke medicine. With a unique background that spans
both paramedicine and neurology, Maren brings a rare and powerful
perspective to the conversation. From her early days working in
the ambulance service in Northern Norway, she witnessed firsthand
the critical challenges of recognising and treating stroke in the
field. This passion would later form the foundation of her
research career.


Maren has been at the forefront of several groundbreaking
projects: most notably, the Norwegian ParaNASPP trial, which
explored how paramedics using the NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) can
improve pre-hospital stroke triage. She has also contributed to
pioneering studies on mobile stroke units, pre-hospital CT, and
novel telemedicine pathways. Her work has not only shaped stroke
protocols in Norway but has also earned international
recognition, including a major quality award from the Norwegian
Medical Association.


On this episode, we’ll explore how Maren thinks about the
“pre-hospital stroke spectrum” from TIA to large-vessel occlusion
and haemorrhagic stroke, and discuss how early decisions in the
field can meaningfully change patient outcomes.


This is Maren's initial interview on the PHCP in July 2024:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_U8YAmEpnc



This is Maren's work on the ParaNASPP trial:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37596006/






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