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Stroke is the second leading cause of death and a significant cause of long-term disability and morbidity in the world. Improving the accuracy of stroke diagnosis by dispatcher nurses is essential. This study aimed to investigate the words, phrases, and keywords used by callers when contacting the Emergency Communication Center regarding patients with stroke. This retrospective mixed-methods study was conducted at the Mashhad Emergency Communications Center and affiliated hospitals receiving patients via prehospital emergency services. Nurses performed telephone triage following dispatch guidelines. Patients with a final stroke diagnosis, identified by ICD-10 codes, were selected. Audio files from calls related to stroke and non-stroke cases were extracted and analyzed to identify common phrases and keywords used by callers. Among 246 suspected stroke cases, 106 were confirmed stroke diagnoses. The mean age of patients with stroke was 70.0 ± 11.4 years. Analysis of calls revealed that 38% of callers mentioned “body and limb numbness.” Nearly 90% of callers reported motor symptoms. Motor symptoms are key indicators for stroke identification during emergency calls. Dispatch guidelines should prioritize these symptoms. Commonly used phrases by callers included “body and limb numbness,” “stroke,” “speech impairment,” “crooked mouth,” “facial numbness,” and “inability to walk.” Public education is essential to encourage timely contact with emergency services, ensuring faster access to acute stroke care.

Keywords: Stroke, Dispatcher's Nurse, Emergency, Medical Communications Center

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