Cartersville, Ga. (May 21, 2025) – Emphasizing the critical principle that in stroke care, “time is brain,” the team at Piedmont Cartersville Emergency Department demonstrated exceptional efficiency, successfully intervening in just 18 minutes to transform a life. Charles Davis received prompt treatment after his wife, DeeDee Davis, swiftly recognized the warning signs of a stroke—a pivotal decision that played a key role in his recovery.
DeeDee recalled the fateful day in vivid detail. “My husband was confused when I spoke to him; I asked him to wiggle his tongue, and he couldn’t do it; I knew immediately something was terribly wrong,” she explained. Even with guests at their home, she didn’t hesitate: "I called 911 right away; I knew he was having a stroke."
DeeDee’s anxiety was mixed with determination as she followed the ambulance to Piedmont Cartersville Medical Center. "When we got to the ER, I saw there were about seven ambulances lined up outside; I immediately told the staff he was actively having a stroke," she recalled. Fortunately, he was taken in before the others. Inside the emergency room, the ER's rapid response team was nothing short of extraordinary.
“By the time I grabbed my pocketbook and walked into the ER, he’d already been taken in,” DeeDee said. “They had completed his CT scan, and had IVs all over him; two nurses were right by his side the entire time. All of this happened in just 18 minutes from the time when we walked through the door.” She added, “Thank God. This could have turned out so much worse.”
"In the chaos of the emergency department, every second counts—especially with stroke. From the moment the patient came through the door, our team moved with urgency and precision; with a door-to-needle time of just 18 minutes, we witnessed the power of rapid intervention; seeing that patient walk out with a positive outcome was a powerful reminder of why we do what we do," said Loren Harris, ER nurse.
Another ER nurse on the scene, Uriel Perez, remarked, "In those critical moments, every action counts. Prompt recognition and immediate response can mean the difference between life and death. It is essential to know the signs of a stroke and seek emergency care without delay.”
Amid the whirlwind of treatment, a surprising twist emerged: the discovery of a brain aneurysm. “They found a brain aneurysm and even planned to transfer him to Piedmont Atlanta by helicopter,” DeeDee recounted. “I said, ‘Do whatever you have to do,’ but then they re-evaluated and determined it was an old aneurysm, something that wasn’t directly related to the stroke. The neurosurgeon reassured me that they would keep an eye on it in the ICU and set up a follow-up appointment.”
Although DeeDee initially had reservations about seeking treatment at a hospital outside of Atlanta, her gratitude toward Piedmont Cartersville was unwavering. “They gave my husband back to me. Without the exceptional teamwork and expertise of the doctors and nurses, his outcome could have been far worse. I am forever grateful,” she shared. Her keen awareness, shaped by her father's past stroke experience, reinforced her conviction that every second is critical in stroke care.
Adding another layer to the story, DeeDee mentioned that if time or distance had been less favorable, the outcome might have been very different. "If we had been taken to another hospital, it could have been a 30-minute drive or caught in traffic on Highway 75, it might’ve been an hour before treatment. "The local Piedmont Cartersville Medical Center and the quick actions of every person involved brought us together in the nick of time," she observed.
"I am proud of our team's swift response in treating Mr. Davis,” said Suzane Rehme, M.D., the attending Emergency Department Physician. “DeeDee's quick thinking and our rapid intervention were crucial. This case highlights the importance of recognizing stroke symptoms and acting immediately. During Stroke Awareness Month, we encourage everyone to learn the signs of a stroke and seek immediate medical attention. DeeDee's vigilance and our team's rapid response truly made all the difference."
Charles Davis, already a survivor of bladder cancer, now faces monthly follow-ups to manage his blood pressure. DeeDee stressed the value of mutual care: “My husband and I always check on one another. Two is better than one.”
"Our commitment to improving the speed and quality of care in the Emergency Department has resulted in reducing ER times by 12 minutes month over month,” said Heather Clement, Director of Emergency Services. “This improvement is crucial in providing timely and effective treatment, especially in cases like Mr. Davis's stroke, where every second counts."
This extraordinary case underscores not only the pivotal importance of recognizing stroke symptoms and acting immediately, but also the impressive coordination of modern emergency medical services. As communities observe Stroke Awareness Month, the Davis family’s story is a powerful reminder that swift action and steadfast teamwork can make all the difference in saving a life.