Written by Jim McKay
government technology
ROCHESTER, Minn. — The COVID-19 pandemic has set the stage for the growth of telemedicine, but the technology used has taken a huge leap forward, giving doctors and patients a better chance for success. It is possible that you are trying to do so.
Mayo Clinic is partnering with PILOT. Optac X Hybrid LTE and global SATCOM telemedicine technology allows doctors to hear and see what's happening with patients in the ambulance and at the scene. This gives doctors and hospitals a head start on patient care with clearer, more informed communications that are less likely to be interrupted than regular cell phone communications.
Physicians reported that the recent cell phone service outage had no negative impact on the trial program. This hybrid system operates with both cellular/LTE communications and low Earth orbit (LEO) and geostationary equatorial orbit (GEO) satellite communications systems, regardless of local Wi-Fi or cellular availability. , allowing paramedics to connect with doctors both inside and outside the ambulance.
“The pilot is still in its infancy, and so far it's been very successful, with only a small number of cases,” said Dr. Christopher Russi, now an emergency physician at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. I'm really excited about the possibility of having our paramedics and flight team medics come to help and what this means. ”
Russi said the use cases are endless.
OPTAC-X technology allows medical personnel wearing the device to travel hands-free up to 500 feet or more from the ambulance. “As a physician, I am on the scene in real time with emergency personnel, seeing what they see, hearing what they hear, guiding them through procedures, and providing second-hand advice on complex and difficult issues. ”Russi said.
“They talked for about 300 meters.” [nearly 1,000 feet] This is the minimum required if you have the appropriate property lines,” said Dr. Patrick Fullerton, President and CEO of OPTAC-X. “Terrain, mountainous terrain is going to be even more difficult. Normal flat terrain will allow for miles of connectivity.”
He said the cognitive load on paramedics was very high. There are only two people, so one person has to drive the car. The other person has to take care of the really sick patient.
“What it means to patients is,” Fullerton said. How many times have EMS called me and told me the package and arrival time over an outdated radio, but it's really piecemeal. ”
Fullerton said being visible from inside the ambulance and for EMTs from anywhere gives hospitals and doctors the opportunity to begin treatment even before a patient arrives.
”[Paramedics] They're on the ground with a gunshot wound, and we can help stabilize the gunshot wound even before we get him into the rig,'' Fullerton said. “Then we can monitor that patient with the health care worker, we can see what they're seeing, we can communicate directly with the health care worker, we can It has audio and visual capabilities.”
(c)2024 Government Technology
Visit Government Technology at www.govtech.com
Distributor Tribune Content Agency LLC.
