By Jerry Napolitano, strategic accounts manager, Panasonic Connect
Situational awareness is pivotal in emergency response, where every second counts. With EMS teams averaging seven minutes for a standard response, the need for swift and effective action is paramount. Upon arrival, EMTs and paramedics must be ready to assess the situation, act decisively and coordinate care seamlessly.
As emergency services embrace digital transformation, EMS responders will gain access to more tools that streamline workflows and expedite response times. Utilizing rugged laptops and tablets, they can efficiently manage logistics like clocking in, completing paperwork and consulting with medical professionals. This integration of smart technology is projected to cut emergency response times by 20% to 35%.
The demanding nature of emergency settings – navigating bumpy roads, enduring harsh weather, etc. – necessitates robust technology. Consumer devices can fall short under these conditions. Rugged mobile solutions, designed specifically for such extremes, offer durability and operational reliability. These devices ensure EMTs and paramedics have uninterrupted access to critical data and communications tools, facilitating better preparedness and faster, more effective responses.
Arrive prepared
EMS teams are always on the move and need detailed information about emergencies before arriving at the scene. Most of this information is provided by dispatchers during calls. With a rugged tablet or laptop in the ambulance, EMTs and paramedics can view and analyze location details, review call histories, and access electronic health records to arrive at emergencies fully prepared.
These advanced mobile solutions also assist EMS teams and dispatchers in determining the necessity of an ambulance crew. With the right technology, first responders can initiate telehealth calls between patients and trained emergency medical physicians over broadband connections to assess the situation’s severity. If an ambulance crew is needed, they can be dispatched promptly. If not, the medical professional can arrange for a doctor’s visit for the patient, allowing the EMS team to stay available for more critical emergencies.
Additionally, with the industry’s shift toward the nationwide rollout of Next Generation 911 (NG911), EMS teams will have access to photos, videos and text messages to better understand situations while en route. They will need devices that can withstand the harsh conditions of ambulance and emergency response environments while providing mission-critical, uninterrupted connectivity for seamless data access and transmission.
Take action
Rugged mobile devices deliver exceptional computing power and connectivity, essential for running specialized EMS software, and accessing medical records and databases swiftly. Unlike standard consumer devices, these rugged solutions maintain reliable performance in extreme conditions, offering multiple connectivity options. This is crucial for EMS teams who need consistent access to critical information, even in remote areas or during network disruptions.
With comprehensive data on the location and severity of emergencies at their fingertips, EMTs and paramedics can better anticipate potential challenges. They can foresee the need for specific medications and medical instruments, and gauge whether additional support might be necessary.
Once on scene, the information available through their mobile devices enables teams to quickly formulate an action plan. Decisions such as whether to transport the patient to the hospital, administer treatment on-site, monitor conditions en route to a facility, or consult remotely with medical directors for further guidance are made more efficiently and effectively.
Rugged: Better Prepared for the EMS of Tomorrow
These devices also streamline other critical aspects of emergency response, such as collecting patient data for health records and acquiring signatures for insurance purposes. This enhances the efficiency of hospital transfers and ensures patients receive necessary follow-up care.
After service calls, EMS teams must sanitize their equipment, including their mobile devices. Rugged devices are designed to withstand thorough cleaning without compromising functionality. They boast long-lasting battery life, eliminating concerns about charging between calls. This reliability ensures that EMS teams are perpetually ready, equipped with the necessary tools for providing the highest level of care.
We are immersed in a digital world, and the prevalence of digital workflows is set to grow exponentially in the coming years. Equipping EMTs and paramedics with streamlined, reliable and efficient tools is crucial. These tools enhance their ability to access vital data, collaborate with other first responders, and ultimately elevate the level of service and care they provide to patients.
Rugged mobile solutions empower EMS professionals with the necessary data and connectivity. Armed with these tools, they can confidently tackle any emergency that comes their way.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jerry Napolitano is a strategic accounts manager at Panasonic Connect North America. Jerry brings over two decades of experience to driving transformative strategies and innovative solutions that meet the complex needs of state and local government customers. Prior to his current role, Jerry was a strategic account executive at Microsoft where he delivered solutions and products designed to enhance safety for citizens, communities, first responders and justice partners. He also served as the fire commissioner for the New York Eastchester Fire District, where he oversaw the budget, developed policies and managed the personnel of the fire departments within the Eastchester District. Under his guidance, his district witnessed improved emergency response and enhanced community education around fire prevention and safety practices. He earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the New York Institute of Technology and is a volunteer for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF).