How Mobile Tech Enhances EMS Response, from Dispatch to On Scene

Guest Editorial by Scott Morris, Senior Account Manager, Panasonic Connect North America

Can you imagine a world where laptops didn’t exist for EMS workers? Yet, as late as 2011, states, including Georgia were just beginning to require that all EMS reporting be done electronically.

Besides storing all patient records in one place, mobile technology can enhance EMS response by improving communication and response times. Specific device features such as cellular and Wi-Fi connectivity help EMS workers determine the next steps for patient care, dispatch the required information to hospital networks, and deliver services more efficiently.

Mobile devices and portable laptops provide a level of flexibility not previously available for emergency services. As a first responder, the job requires workers to be on-call and ready at a moment’s notice.

Features such as long battery life and durability ensure that first responders can be ready to go whenever a call comes in – and the device retains the power to last throughout the shift. Furthermore, having devices that allow hot-swapping provides the assurance of not losing work or connectivity while swapping in a new battery during an emergency call.

EMTs and paramedics often transition to-and-from office or desk environments to vehicles, and then to patient homes and other environments.

When it comes to their mobile devices, the emphasis for these workers now lies in blending functionality and portability with reliability and durability. Device usability should be the last thing on an EMT’s mind while they are racing to serve patients and save lives.

These devices should be able to survive drops and spills, and also be built for use outdoors, whether in extreme sunlight, rain, or snow – without screens freezing or issues powering up. This ranges from snowstorms in Alaska, to thunderstorms in Florida, to scorching heat in Arizona.

Devices should also be able to stand up to frequent sanitation and be able to be used with surgical gloves on.

En route to a scene with the details provided via dispatch, EMT’s prepare a course of action. The more information EMTs have of a patient’s history, the better they can prepare effective care.

Reviewing electronic patient records is a good start, but EMT’s will only be able to access them with a secure connection. Once on the road, accessing Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and other data applications or transmitting information is only as reliable as the connectivity.

This is two-fold: first, a device must have access to the right networks. And, secondly, the device’s antennas must be powerful enough to enable that connection from even the most remote locations.

With 4G LTE or 5G connection, EMS workers can access patient records and view a patient’s entire medical history. And, devices with 5G capabilities are effective at receiving and dispatching large packets of information (such as videos or high-resolution imagery).

Equally as important is having access to a dedicated network, such as FirstNet, offering priority for first responders, and a device approved on the network. These connectivity options give first responders what they need based on the task at hand, including a way to communicate during emergencies that avoids potentially congested civilian networks.

EMTs may sometimes be required to collaborate with other experts on the job, such as doctors. With connected mobile devices, real-time communication and collaboration is possible via teleconferencing or video calling.

Such collaborations may prevent costly hospital transfers. It may also enable EMTs to provide certain medical procedures under the supervision of a physician until the patient is transported to a hospital.

Mobile devices should enhance, not hinder, patient care. They must have features that facilitate efficiencies for patients, as well as for EMS staff.

For example, devices must be able to instantly record and update patient records as information is inputted. Other features such as barcode scanning and signature capture aid workers in issuing electronic prescriptions to pharmacies, recording emergency medications or injections administered and verifying services provided.

These features help deliver a better patient experience at the point of care and help workers deliver better outcomes.

Employment of EMTs and paramedics is projected to grow 11 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. As more workers join the industry, there’s an opportunity for employers to rethink their current technology fleet and onboarding process.

Newer, younger recruits expect to work with efficient technology solutions that will afford them digital conveniences on the job – just as they are used to in their personal lives. In emergency services, rugged, durable devices will help give these recruits confidence when serving patients. And, efficiencies provided with the right devices will reduce worker burnout and promote positive job satisfaction.

From dispatch to documentation, mobile technology is evolving how EMS workers serve patients.

Houston Fire’s Emergency Telehealth and Navigation (ETHAN) project aimed to solve some of these challenges by creating a mobile device-integrated healthcare project to better support its community.

(See how the Houston Fire Department implemented an innovative solution employing a Panasonic TOUGHPAD rugged tablet on the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network. Using the tablet, patients can be evaluated by a physician via video conference when appropriate. Houston Fire’s ETHAN Project has successfully avoided costly and unnecessary ambulance trips and ER visits in 80{38557cf0372cd7f85c91e7e33cff125558f1277b36a8edbab0100de866181896} of the cases it was utilized. Courtesy of Panasonic TOUGHBOOK and YouTube.)

On-scene mobile technology was used to connect EMT’s with emergency physicians to care for low-acuity 911 patients. Transitioning to mobile devices reduced strain on the city’s first responder and healthcare system, and ensured responders react more efficiently to patient needs.

With an increasing population of 2.3 million, Houston Fire Department has successfully delivered care to more than 22,000 residents and visitors. The overall healthcare savings utilizing ETHAN Project are estimated at over $27 million dollars.

The widespread adoption of mobile technology in EMS will transform how emergency professionals respond to 911 calls and reduce costs for EMS providers.

Similar programs can help with better resource allocation, lowering costs for patients and emergency medical services overall.

The time is now for organizations to consider a fresh approach that could create a new way to work, helping employees, recruits, and patients in the process. It is critical to make the right choices.

American Security Today’s Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards is the preeminent U.S. Homeland Security Awards Program, and now entering it’s Eighth Year, continues to recognize industry leaders of Physical and Border Security, Cybersecurity, Emergency Preparedness – Management and Response, Law Enforcement, First Responders, as well as federal, state and municipal government agencies in the acknowledgment of their outstanding efforts to Keep our Nation Secure.

• Data storage security for any company, organization or government institution revolves around two issues: storage and security – the Durabook Z14 Fully Rugged laptop supplies both in spades.

• The Z14I is a veritable storage revolution providing users with a plethora of capacity, equipped with the latest NVMe PCIe SSD technology, providing up to 1TB of storage, while its PCIe offers speeds 4x faster than SATA III.

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(Combined with the latest 11th Generation Intel® Core™ processor and graphics capabilities, the Z14I rugged laptop can handle data-intensive tasks at speed. It has been built to withstand even the harshest of environments. Its IP65 rating protects against dust, and water ingress, MIL-STD 810H certification, and resistance up to six feet drop make the Z14I more rugged than other comparable devices on the market. Courtesy of Durabook Federal and YouTube.)

• Law enforcement, first responders, and emergency services personnel, who put their lives on the line, should rightfully expect to perform their duties with top-of-the-line equipment, including mobile technology products. The Durabook S14I Rugged laptop provides them with just that.

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• The Durabook S14I tough rugged laptop effortlessly breaches the boundary between semi-rugged and fully rugged devices, and comes equipped with the latest NVMe PCIe SSD technology providing up to 1TB of storage. It can accommodate two additional internal SATA III SSD drives to maximize the onboard data storage. When storage performance or data redundancy and reliability are crucial, the S14I shines.

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• The Durabook S14I is equipped with a smart card reader, fingerprint scanner, and hardware-based encryption (Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0)) to ensure storage security. In addition to software-based encryption, hardware-based encryption can be applied. Within the advanced configuration settings on some BIOS configuration menus, users can choose to enable or disable a Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0).

(The all-new Durabook S14I features the latest 11th Generation Intel® CPUs and class-leading 4’ drop spec/IP53 rating, pushing semi-rugged devices to a whole new level. The S14I is engineered to combine military-grade durability, field-worker functionality, computing performance, and long battery life for non-stop use, making it suitable for use in locations where rain or dust may be a regular occurrence. Courtesy of Durabook Federal and YouTube.)

• *Durabook (formerly GammaTech Computer Corporation), was also recognized as an ‘ASTORS’ Award Champion in the  2021, and 2017 Homeland Security Awards Programs.

These challenges have become a national priority with an influx of investments in innovative new technologies and systems.

Enter American Security Today, the #1 publication and media platform in the Government Security and Homeland Security fields, with a circulation of over 75,000 readers and many tens of thousands more who visit our AST website at www.americansecuritytoday.com each month.

This year’s exclusive sold-out ‘ASTORS’ luncheon featured representatives of law enforcement, public safety, and industry leaders who came together to honor the selfless service of those who stand on the front lines, and those who stand beside them – providing the capabilities and technologies to create a safer world for generations to come.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which came out in force, to discuss comprehensive collaborations between private and public sectors that have led to the development of intelligence and technologies which serve to protect our nation.

The continually evolving ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program emphasized the trail of Accomplished Women in Leadership in 2022, as well as the Significance and Positive Impact of Advancing Diversity and Inclusion in our Next Generation of Government and Industry Leaders.

The keynote address was provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner (DEAC) Diane Sabatino, who described the changes to CBP through the tragedy of 9/11 and the relentless commitment to its mission and ongoing investment in the latest technologies and innovations to protect our borders and Homeland.

The resounding theme of the DEAC’s remarks was her pride in the women and men of the CBP and their families who support them.

AST was also joined by Legendary Police Commissioner William Bratton, who spoke, as always, about his love for the City of New York, the Profession of law enforcement to which he has dedicated his life, and for which he continues to drive thought leadership and innovation.

New York City Police Department (NYPD) Chief of Department Kenneth Corey, came out to address Luncheon attendees and shared some of his experiences and the changes in policing he’s witnessed over his more than three decades of service.

FDNY Chief Joseph Jardin honored the men and women of the FDNY, not only those who currently serve but all of those who have selflessly served, with a special recognition of those lost on 9/11.

Chief Jardin spoke about the continuing health battle of many following 9/11 with cancer and respiratory disease, yet now knowing the full consequences, would not have made a different decision to respond.

As Chief Jardin noted, mission-driven service is in the lifeblood of every firefighter, volunteer and sworn and has been so throughout the history of the Fire Service.

Former head of the FBI’s active shooter program, Katherine Schweit joined AST to sign complimentary copies of her book, ‘STOP THE KILLING: How to End the Mass Shooting Crisis,’ thanks to the generosity of our 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Sponsors. 

We were pleased to welcome the esteemed New York City Fire Department (FDNY); the New York City Police Department (NYPD); and the NYC Hospital Police,  as well as Executive Management from the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and many other DHS agencies, Federal law enforcement agencies, and private/public partnerships such as the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE), the 30×30 Initiative, a coalition of professionals advancing the representation of women in policing; and Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI) (rail safety advocates).

The prestigious Annual ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program highlights the most cutting-edge and forward-thinking security solutions coming onto the market today, to ensure our readers have the information they need to stay ahead of the competition and keep our Nation safe – one facility, street, and city at a time.

In 2022 over 240 distinguished guests representing Federal, State, and Local Governments, and Industry Leading Corporate Firms gathered from across North America, Europe, and the Middle East to be honored among their peers in their respective fields.

Each year, to keep our communities safe and secure, security dealers, installers, integrators, and consultants, along with corporate, government, and law enforcement/first responder practitioners, convene in New York City to network, learn and evaluate the latest technologies and solutions from premier exhibiting brands at ISC East, the Natural Disaster & Emergency Management Expo (NDEM EXPO), and the ASIS NYC Expo.

ISC East is the Northeast’s leading security & public safety event, hosted in collaboration with sponsor Security Industry Association (SIA) and in partnership with ASIS NYC.

Corporate firms, the majority of which return year to year to build upon their Legacy of Wins, include:

Advanced Detection Technologies, AMAROK, ATI Systems, Axis Communications, Automatic Systems, BriefCam, Canon U.S.A., Cellbusters, CornellCookson, CyberArk  Fortior Solutions, guardDog.ai, Hanwha Techwin of America, High Rise Escape Systems, IPVideo Corporation, Konica Minolta Business Solutions, NEC National Security Systems, NICE Public Safety, OnSolve, PureTech Systems, Quantum Corporation, Rave Mobile Safety, Regroup Mass Notification, Robotic Assistance Devices, Rajant Corporation, SafeLogic, Select Engineering Services LLC, Singlewire Software, SolarWinds Worldwide, Teledyne FLIR, Valor Systems, and West Virginia American Access Control Systems, just to name a few!

The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old-school basics to what is Today – a fast-changing security landscape.

American Security Today is uniquely focused on the broader Homeland Security & Public Safety marketplace with over 75,000 readers at the Federal, State, and local levels of government as well as firms allied to the government.

American Security Today brings forward a fresh compelling look and read with our customized digital publications that hold readers’ eyes throughout the story with cutting-edge editorial that provides solutions to their challenges.

AST Digital Publications are distributed to over 75,000 qualified government and homeland security professionals, in federal, state, local, and private security sectors.

‘PROTECTING OUR NATION, ONE CITY AT A TIME’

AST Reaches both Private & Public Experts, essential to meeting these new challenges.

Today’s new generation of public safety and security experts need real-time knowledge to deal with domestic and international terrorism, lone wolf attacks, unprecedented urban violence, shifts in society, culture, and media bias – making it increasingly difficult for Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Military and Private Security Professionals to implement coordinated security measures to ensure national security and improve public safety.

These experts are from Government at the federal, state, and local levels as well as from private firms allied to the government.

AST provides a full plate of topics in our AST Monthly Magazine Editions, AST Website, and AST Daily News Alerts, covering 23 Vital Sectors such as Access Control, Perimeter Protection, Video Surveillance/Analytics, Airport Security, Border Security, CBRNE Detection, Border Security, Ports, Cybersecurity, Networking Security, Encryption, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Campus Security, Security Services, Corporate Facilities, and Emergency Response among others.

AST has Expanded readership into integral Critical Infrastructure audiences such as Protection of Nuclear Facilities, Water Plants & Dams, Bridges & Tunnels, and other potential targets of terrorism.

Other areas of concern include Transportation Hubs, Public Assemblies, Government Facilities, Sporting & Concert Stadiums, our Nation’s Schools & Universities, and Commercial Business Destinations – all enticing targets due to the large number of persons and resources clustered together.

To learn more about ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Award Winners solutions, Be On the LookOut for the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS Edition Fully Interactive Magazine – the Best Products of 2022 ‘A Year in Review’.

The Annual CHAMPIONS edition includes a review of ‘ASTORS’ Award Winning products and programs, highlighting key details on many of the winning firm’s products and services, including video interviews and more.

It will serve as your Go-To Source throughout the year for ‘The Best of 2022 Products and Services’ endorsed by American Security Today, and can satisfy your agency’s and/or organization’s most pressing Homeland Security and Public Safety needs.

From Physical Security (Access Control, Critical Infrastructure, Perimeter Protection, and Video Surveillance Cameras and Video Management Systems), to IT Security (Cybersecurity, Encryption, Data Storage, Anti-Malware, and Networking Security – to name a few), the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS EDITION will have what you need to Detect, Delay, Respond to, and Mitigate today’s real-time threats in our constantly evolving security landscape.

It will also include featured guest editorial pieces from some of the security industry’s most respected leaders, and recognized firms in the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program.

A complete list of 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Award Winners will be announced shortly.

For more information on All Things American Security Today, as well as the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, please contact Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at [email protected].