IBM has developed an innovative system to enable regional first responders to relay patient data from the scene of the incident to hospitals, emergency operations personnel and other authorized public officials in real time. Until recently, local hospitals and first responders communicated via a 30-year-old radio system, making the tracking of victims quite a challenge.
"In any emergency situation where human lives are at stake, seconds count," said STARRS Deputy Director Nick Gragnani. "Better medical information provided more quickly means better patient care and more lives saved."
The emergency patient tracking system will enable first responders at the scene of the incident to record, using mobile data terminals, patient information like medical condition, vital signs and chief injury or illness, as well as the name of the hospital the patient is being transported. A barcode bracelet is then produced and attached to the patient that will draw up their information when it is scanned at the hospital -- reducing time consuming paperwork.
The data is then transmitted over a wireless network and is instantly accessible to hospital and public safety personnel so they have a detailed picture of the patients' condition even before they arrive at the hospital. The barcode bracelets and real-time information will assist EMS command centers and hospitals to more effectively manage resources by having the ability to analyze incident data to identify needs and trends. Decision making, and more coordinated patient treatment during large-scale emergencies will also improve.
This system is in full-scale use for the City of St. Louis, and is implemented for large scale incidents for the counties of St. Louis, St. Charles, St. Clair and Madison. By the end of October, this system will be implemented for large scale incidents in Franklin, Jefferson, and Monroe counties and in all Level II and Level III trauma centers.
Once the solution is completely implemented, STARRS expects area EMS providers to increase productivity during rapid response situations by 10 to 15 percent due to improved response time for decision-making activities. Specifically, the wireless area network allows different governments and community and service organizations to communicate easily during times of crisis.
