EMS RACE Stroke Scale - Rapid Arterial oCclusion Evaluation Scale, used to predict large cerebral arterial occlusions.* Chart adapted from Perez de la Ossa N, Carrera D, Gorchs M, et al. Design and validation of a prehospital stroke scale to predict large arterial occlusion: the rapid arterial occlusion evaluation scale. The Rapid Arterial Occlusion Evaluation (RACE) Scale for Stroke predicts the presence of large vessel occlusion (LVO) in patients with acute stroke.

Understanding the Context

If a prehospital stroke screen is positive, EMS providers should assess severity by using a stroke severity scale. The RACE Stroke Severity Scale is one of several nationally recognized stroke severity scale options. The RACE scale is a prehospital simple and rapid neurological scale to detect acute stroke patients with a high probability of having a large vessel occlusion, candidates to be treated with endovascular techniques in a comprehensive stroke center. The RACE Scale is designed to quickly assess patients for potential arterial occlusions, particularly in emergency medical settings.

Key Insights

It is a critical tool used by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to identify stroke symptoms and facilitate timely treatment. Seven different scales designed to identify patients with a symptomatic large anterior vessel occlusion (sLAVO) stroke in the prehospital setting all showed good accuracy, high specificity, and low ... RACE Stroke Assessment Tool FACIAL PALSY – weakness on one side of the face with smile. – Absent = 0 – Mild (some facial movement) = 1 – Moderate to Severe (little to no facial movement) = 2 Large vessel occlusion (LVO) strokes are linked to higher mortality rates and a greater risk of long-term disability. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the Rapid Arterial Occlusion Evaluation (RACE) tool in detecting LVO through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Final Thoughts

If RACE Score = 5 or greater, patient may have an ischemic stroke with a large vessel occlusion.