The sNIHSS-EMS
| Number | sNIHSS-EMS item | Equivalent to the NIHSS item | Range |
| 1 | Level of consciousness | 1a | 0–3 |
| 2 | Facial palsy | 4 | 0–3 |
| 3a | Motor arm (left) | 5 | 0–4/UN |
| 3b | Motor arm (right) | 5 | 0–4/UN |
| 4a | Motor leg (left) | 6 | 0–4/UN |
| 4b | Motor leg (right) | 6 | 0–4/UN |
| 5 | Sensory | 8 | 0–2 |
| 6 | Best language | 9 | 0–3 |
| 7 | Dysarthria | 10 | 0–2/UN |
| Sum | – | 0–29 |
Range indicates possible scores.
NIHSS, NIH Stroke Scale; sNIHSS-EMS, shortened NIH Stroke Scale for emergency medical services; UN, untestable (motor items: amputation or joint fusion, dysarthria: intubation or other physical barrier).