System Evaluation Paper

CIS/207
January 05,2014

The system I will be discussing is used in an organization that I used to work in many years ago, but working in the medical environment, all systems seem to tie into new technology and growth for businesses to streamline, be cost effective, save time and to be able to manage the environment by a click of a mouse.
The system used while I was working as an EMT, (Emergency Medical Technician) initially started with just radio communication between the ambulance and the ER. All documentation was written on a triplicate carbon progress note. The paperwork would be legal documentation that would transfer to the ER to continue with treating the patient.
As new technology, insurance requirements, and federal and state guidelines changed regarding legibility of these documents so came the introduction of the wireless mobile units, which later developed into the use of a laptop and also integration of software that allowed the ability to transfer medical documentation in real time to any ER (Emergency Room) facility. The system also provides for the use of GPS (Global positioning system) tracking, which would give accurate locations of accident or emergencies.
The new technology allows the portable system to be taken right to the patient, whether the patient is on the first floor, tenth floor or stuck in the attic. In years past, the assessment for the patient and medical history would have to wait until the patient can be put safely in the ambulance. Again the new wireless portable system greatly reduce the time in accessing the patient’s conditions while sending this vital information to the ER staff.
New technology taken has helped decrease the time of arrival to the emergency site by the implementation of GPS, and constant communication with ER staff, the police department and all first responders.
Future developments are being implemented in some of the larger cities and with large Ambulance entities.
Some of the new items that are being developed and currently being implemented, is the use of a full size tablet encased in metal Osters. The Osters are protected coverings that allow the use of this tablet to be used in all- weather conditions, avoid breakage, and makes the unit shock resistant. While also making the unit lighter than a laptop, but mobile enough to be taken to any injury site. Equipment results from items like the ECG, (electro cardio graph), can now be reviewed real time through the use of the integration of the ECG machine, the tablet and onto the hospital site. Medications can be requested, and approved by the ER physicians while the Ambulance is on transit or on site of emergency.
While in transit, radio communication is intermittent to resolve this issue somewhat, the use of wireless system has improved the end result.
In conclusion, radio communication is still the first choice of getting the information across to the crews in route to the scene. However, new technology has replaced this antiquated, yet stable process. Using the laptop and now the tablet are signs of what the future has produced while software accents the process to do all functions for this particular job in real time. All calls that are urgent, important and life threatening are handled by professionals from both the Ambulance and the hospital, allowing the process to run as smooth as it can be. Dispatch is key to communication of these emergencies. Dispatchers also using the same software interface have a great amount of detail and support to the team. They are able to stay in contact with the crew until they arrive at the scene, feeding them continuous updates on the patient’s condition as well as alerting them to conditions, dangers, or other obstacles in route to the scene. Point of contact information is also given to the EMT before arrival. The end result is to improve run reports, decrease response time, while also reducing the restocking time at the hospital. Customer service and attention to detail is imperative to the success of this job. Keeping up with new technology, processes and training allows for continued future developments.