On Friday afternoon (03/27/15), Southold Fire Department once again called for the assistance of the Suffolk County Police Department helicopter for the transportation of a possible stroke victim to Stony Brook University Hospital. As in any case where a stroke (CVA/TIA) is suspected, emergency health care providers are working within a very limited time frame for the hospital administration of certain drugs that may reverse the effects of the stroke. It is with this limited time window in mind that rapid transportation to SBUH, the highest rated Stroke Center in our area, is often accomplished using the SCPD helicopter and a SBUH Flight Medic. If the helicopter is not flying due to bad weather, or if the helicopter use is not appropriate for a particular patient, ground transportation to Peconic Bay Medical Center will be completed by SFD's own ambulance and emergency medical personnel.