The number of stroke emergencies handled by SAMU 061 in the Balearic Islands between January and September has risen by 23% compared to the same period last year. In 2025, the emergency network activated 767 Stroke Code alerts, 143 more than the 624 registered in 2024.
According to SAMU 061, this increase highlights the need for ongoing improvements in early detection and emergency coordination across the islands. The service reminds the public that acting quickly is crucial to reducing the risk of death or long-term disability. In stroke care, every minute counts — a principle summed up in the phrase: “time is brain.”
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Stroke emergencies treated by SAMU 061 in the Balearic Islands have risen by 23% this year
📍 Where do most cases occur?
- Mallorca: 79% of reported episodes
- Ibiza: 13%
- Menorca: 7%
- Formentera: 1%
Most patients are aged 40 to 75 (84%), and 57% are men. A continuous rise in strokes among people over 60 is linked to risk factors such as high blood pressure, lack of physical activity and smoking.
Areas with larger populations — like Palma, Manacor, Inca, Calvià, Llucmajor and Marratxí — show the highest prevalence. Municipalities with seasonal population increases, such as Alcúdia, Capdepera, Ibiza and Santanyí, also register more cases.
🏥 Where are patients taken?
- 67% are transported to Son Espases University Hospital
- 12% to Son Llàtzer University Hospital
- 8% to Can Misses Hospital
The Stroke Code system — active 24/7, 365 days a year — coordinates emergency medical resources so patients receive specialised treatment as quickly as possible anywhere in the Balearic Islands.
⏱️ Response time saves lives
The average time from the emergency call to patient arrival at the hospital is 59 minutes. This places SAMU 061 as a key factor in minimising brain damage caused by reduced blood flow during a stroke.
👩⚕️ The service continues to enhance clinical training, improve telephone triage protocols and ensure rapid stabilisation on-site before hospital transfer.
Recognising symptoms early is essential
SAMU 061 urges residents to watch for the main warning signs of stroke:
- Sudden loss of strength or sensation in the face, arm or leg — especially on one side
- Trouble speaking or understanding speech
- Sudden vision loss in one or both eyes
- Severe, sudden headache with no clear cause
📞 If a stroke is suspected: call 061 immediately.
Quick action can mean the difference between full recovery and permanent disability — or even death.