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The EMS Take: Summer 2021
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The EMS Take
by Gary McCarraher
Next generation in EMS tools
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In emergency medicine, whenever you shorten time between information and action, outcomes get better. Emerging technologies for EMS can accelerate access to information, resulting in better care for patients. That’s why FirstNet was created – to keep first responders connected and communicating when it matters most. Read on to learn about three new technologies that can help EMS have better and faster information.
Smart glasses
New smart glasses are available and approved for use on FirstNet to let doctors see what EMS sees at a scene in real time. The smart glasses use augmented reality to combine a view of the real world with computer-generated information. EMTs and paramedics wear the smart glasses, and a doctor logs onto a computer to see a live video stream of what the first responder sees.
With the extra information provided by the smart glasses, the doctor and first responder can work together to assess and treat a patient before the ambulance even arrives at the hospital.
First responders can also reduce their COVID-19 exposure by using the glasses' infrared sensor to detect if a person has a fever, avoiding close contact with the patient.
Smart stethoscope
Most EMTs and paramedics will agree it’s difficult to hear clearly through a stethoscope in a moving vehicle. Traditional stethoscopes work best in quiet offices with calm surroundings. The stethoscope has had only incremental upgrades since it was first invented in the early 1800s.
Today’s technologies are revolutionizing stethoscopes, making them easier to use in loud situations. Smart stethoscopes can cancel out distracting background noise using digital technology for precise auscultation. Through artificial intelligence, some smart stethoscopes can even help responders make more accurate diagnoses.
With smart stethoscopes, first responders can actually hear breath sounds and heart beats plus have the benefit of additional data for quicker treatment decisions.
Using video to reduce ambulance runs
EMS providers are using video to reduce unnecessary ambulance runs. When a person calls 9-1-1 with a non-life-threatening issue, a paramedic can start a video call to gather more information through a virtual session.
The caller receives a link on their smartphone to download an app for the video call. The video call helps the paramedic to gather important visual clues about the patient. The app also captures vital health information about the patient like respiration, O2 saturation, and pulse. If the person’s condition escalates or he or she would still like an ambulance, one can be dispatched.
FirstNet app catalog and device list
These three technologies are examples of the next generation in EMS devices and apps that rely on a secure, prioritized broadband connection. FirstNet has created an ecosystem of devices and apps that have been designed specifically for first responders.
An extensive range of devices is available to FirstNet users, including smartphones, tablets, and Internet of Things devices. Over 330 devices are on the National Institute of Standards and Technology list of certified devices, and 285+ of those support FirstNet’s Band 14 public safety spectrum.
FirstNet users have access to apps that have undergone a rigorous vetting and approval process for public safety. The FirstNet App Catalog identifies 170+ apps that are tested for reliability and developed for public safety operations.
Your experience
What new technologies are you using in EMS operations? Send me an email or find me or my FirstNet Authority colleagues at one of these upcoming events:
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We delivered on our promise to public safety to expand coverage with new investments in the FirstNet deployable program. Now, when faced with damaged infrastructure, remote environments, or crowded events, first responders can call on 100+ deployables, including SatCOLTS (satellite cell on light trucks), the new Communications Vehicles, or a Compact Rapid Deployable.
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Using the FirstNet Uplift Request Tool, public safety can temporarily elevate extended primary users like utilities or public works to the same priority level as primary users. When utility workers are restoring services after disaster, their uplifted devices get priority access to network resources so they can coordinate with first responders.
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The FirstNet Authority conducted a wildfire working group to examine how firefighters use FirstNet in wildfire response, and their lessons learned. Our team spoke to several agencies and firefighters told us about real-life communication challenges and successes during wildfire response and came away with five things to know about FirstNet and wildfires.
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At the intersection of STEM and public safety, female innovators are working to make first responders’ jobs easier and more efficient. Our recent podcast showcases three women in STEM as they discuss their experiences and highlight current projects.
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Tech, Innovations, and Hot Topics in EMS
Read what we’ve been hearing from public safety in the field about trends and drivers for EMS and emergency communications.*
Are flying cars the future of EMS? Futuristic flying cars are undergoing testing and may soon become a reality. While flying cars hold promise for emergency response, there are many hurdles to overcome, including regulatory hurdles and design refinements.
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FirstNet's dedicated fleet of deployables provides coverage and capacity to public safety at no cost to FirstNet subscribers. FirstNet deployables have supported hundreds of operations, including wildfires, hurricanes, search and rescue, large crowds, and flooding.
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Gary McCarraher is serving as the FirstNet Authority EMS Subject Matter Expert. Learn more about Gary or email him with your questions. |
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Top photo: More than 100 assets are in FirstNet deployables fleet dedicated to FirstNet users, including FirstNet Satellite Cell on Light Trucks (SatCOLT), Satellite Cell on Wheels (SatCOW), Flying Cell on Wings (COWs), three Communications Vehicles, and one aerostat
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*FirstNet Authority may provide hyperlinks for third-party, non-governmental websites in order to offer additional context and added value for our users. FirstNet Authority does not endorse any product or service and is not responsible, nor can it guarantee the validity or timeliness of the content on hyperlinks outside of the federal government. In addition, users may wish to review privacy notices on non-government sites since their information collection practices may differ from ours.
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