2015 EMS World Innovation Awards

We are proud to announce the recipients of the 2015 EMS World Innovation Awards. The awards recognize the industry’s most innovative products of the year that were on display at the 2015 EMS World Expo, September  15–19 in Las Vegas, NV, as selected by a panel of judges from the EMS World Editorial Advisory Board and EMS World Expo faculty.

Read on for product details and our judges’ assessments of these technologies that are transforming prehospital care and operations.

The 2016 EMS World Expo will be held October 3–7 in New Orleans, LA. For more information, visit EMSWorldExpo.com.

Integrated Vehicle Component System from Ferno

“This system is exceptional. It exemplifies a safety-conscious approach to maximizing space and operational efficiency. Some of the best features are the intuitive applications, customizability and the universal interchangeability.”

The Ferno iN∫TRAXX Integrated Vehicle Component System provides a whole new vision for the ambulance delivery of care space that increases patient and provider safety and operational efficiency. The system has been designed to secure loose equipment inside the ambulance and to allow medics to deliver patient care from a seated, restrained position. This reduces the risk of death and injury during crashes and hard maneuvers. iN∫TRAXX modularity supports better workflows and inventory management which lowers operational costs for agencies.

Ferno provides solutions in more than 150 countries and has partnered with EMS professionals, regulators and innovators from around the world to create a new vision for the delivery of emergency care. Visit fernoems.com.

HealthEMS Mobile Patient Care Management from Physio-Control

“Physio-Control continues to impress with this new and comprehensive data system that promotes two-way communications with the hospital and incorporates all areas of prehospital patient-care information.”

HealthEMS from Physio-Control is a remote-hosted field data collection, management and reporting software solution that is proven to help fire and EMS providers improve patient care and financial performance. HealthEMS creates a two-way information flow that dramatically improves the accuracy and timeliness of information needed to support billing and clinical decision-making.

Physio-Control delivers professional emergency medical response solutions that predict or intervene in life-threatening emergencies. Products include LIFEPAK monitor/defibrillators and AEDs, the LIFENET System, HealthEMS electronic patient care reporting (ePCR) software, LUCAS 2 Chest Compression System, TrueCPR coaching device and implementation for PulsePoint mobile bystander response applications. Visit physio-control.com.

ESO Analytics from ESO Solutions

“In this data-driven healthcare environment, identifying metrics and implementing solutions is difficult; there are few healthcare systems in the country that would be equipped to mine and manage data like this solution. This robust system is simply revolutionary.”

ESO Analytics from ESO Solutions puts the EMS core measures and KPIs at your fingertips with one easy click. With this robust tool designed with provider, administrator and governing body in mind, you won’t need a report expert to tailor reports for your agency.

Know how you measure up to the California core measures, NHTSA EMS measures, disease-specific performance standards and much more. Easily access your first-pass intubation success rates, response times, protocol compliance, time to treatment, ROSC rates by initial rhythm, PSAP to defib, bystander CPR rates, all in one place. ESO Analytics allows you to visualize your data like never before with time series charts, GEMS, detail breakdowns and the capability to drill to an individual record and start a QM review. And with ESO Health Data Exchange, ESO Analytics allows you to track performance across the EMS and hospital care continuum.

Best of all, the Analytics tool is built into ESO ePCR so you can make smarter, more defensible decisions in a fraction of the time.

ESO Solutions provides software solutions for the prehospital healthcare market that are helping redefine the way healthcare communicates. The ESO Suite includes integrated electronic patient care reporting, quality management, personnel management and fire modules for better efficiency and data accuracy in the field and office. With ESO Health Data Exchange, EMS, hospital systems, regional authorities and health information exchanges connect to provide views of critical data. Visit esosolutions.com.

CHILD Ratcheting Medical Tourniquet from m2

“We know improvised tourniquets do not work as well as devices manufactured for that purpose.  So why have we always assumed that we could just make an adult tourniquet work on a child?”

m2’s CHILD Ratcheting Medical Tourniquet (RMT) was developed for extremity hemorrhage control on individuals weighing less than 125 lbs. with circumferences as small as 2.5 inches. The CHILD tourniquet uses m2 low tensile strength ratcheting buckle technology. The provider has precise, adjustable control to occlude blood flow thus minimizing muscle and nerve damage. RMTs are self-locking and require only gross motor skills to operate. Audible sound verifies activation. Simple two-step instructions are printed on the device.

m2 is a design, engineering and production firm specializing in m2 mechanical closure technologies. Visit ratchetingbuckles.com.

LIV (Linde Integrated Valve) IQ Oxygen Cylinder from Linde

“With certain therapies like CPAP, running out of oxygen is just not an option. This device adds precision to what used to be guesswork.”

The Linde Integrated Valve Oxygen Cylinder with digital display shows the exact time remaining for oxygen therapy, rather than the pressure gauge that is common today. Visible and audible alarms alert you if the patient is not receiving the desired oxygen supply (compromise in gas flow, low oxygen contents, kink in oxygen tubing, etc.). This cylinder was designed to increase safety in all emergency situations.

Linde provides industry-leading portfolio solutions for the ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy industries, ranging from gases and equipment to process consulting and services. Visit linde-healthcare.us.

Pedi-Sleeve Pediatric Dosing System from Medical Emergency Device Innovation Company

“The Pedi-Sleeve’s ability to be easily updated and customized to an agency’s individual protocols makes it an excellent tool for dealing with the high-acuity, low-frequency calls involving critical pediatric patients.”

The Pedi-Sleeve Pediatric Dosing System from the Medical Emergency Device Innovation Company is a set of nine colored sleeves, each with three inserts that provide standard pediatric medication dosing and equipment sizes. The sleeves reflect colors of industry-standard, length-based resuscitation tapes. The appropriate Pedi-Sleeve is worn on your forearm, like a quarterback wears a play guide, decreasing the potential for dosing errors because accurate drug dosing is literally at your fingertips. Inserts can be customized to reflect agency protocols, and updates can be made when drug concentrations or standards change.

Medical Emergency Device Innovation Company is the creator of the Pedi-Sleeve dosing systems, armbands and response bags. Visit pedisleeve.com.

LiteSaver Manometer from Mercury Medical

“We know positive-pressure ventilation has detrimental side effects when completed improperly. So why not add real-time feedback to optimize our performance?”

The LiteSaver from Mercury Medical is a color-coded disposable manometer with integrated timing light for improved adult ventilation. Having a manometer with a timing light integrated with a BVM (CPR bag) is critical for validating delivered pressures and helps clinicians in delivery of proper ventilation rates. This results in safer, slower ventilation and sufficient expiration times.

Mercury Medical is a manufacturer of quality respiratory devices, also specializing in anesthesia, emergency and critical care products. Visit mercurymed.com.

FitResponderFitness.com from Fit Responder

“The strength of the Fit Responder program is (founder) Bryan Fass’ knowledge of both fitness and public safety. He has integrated technology so that fitness is extremely convenient.”

Fit Responder Fitness is the only Web-based fitness program specific to EMS and tied to an app for your smart phone.

Based on the NAEMT Recommended Fitness Guidelines, all programs are safe, effective and fun and will reduce your chance of injury by improving job-specific fitness and wellness. Fit Responder Fitness is like getting a coach, trainer, physical therapist and nutritionist on your phone and computer.
Designed by first responders, sports medicine trainers, tactical strength and conditioning coaches, wellness specialists and nutrition experts, the goal is to provide you with programs that are both convenient and specific to your needs on the street.

Fit Responder is public safety’s top choice for injury reduction programs. We provide on-site analysis, planning, training and tools to reduce injuries, improve employee health and fitness and reduce your department’s costs. Visit fitresponder.com.

Compressible Liquid Adaptive Suspension System (CLASS) from LiquidSpring

“The CLASS system enhances the two elements an ambulance needs the most: handling and a smooth ride. Our patients will thank us.”

Prior to LiquidSpring inventing and commercializing a product known as CLASS (Compressible Liquid Adaptive Suspension System), suspension technology did not have the means to provide both a soft ride and sports car handling, both of which are sought by most drivers. Ride vs. handling trade-off has challenged suspension engineers for over 100 years. CLASS solves this dilemma by changing spring stiffness instantaneously over a wide range without driver intervention. This defies conventional engineering wisdom.

Inventing CLASS required using a compressible fluid, properly configuring it and creating algorithms to electronically control its flow. In so doing, low and high spring rates are instantaneously and seamlessly available to achieve desired ride and handling characteristics. This technology did not exist prior to CLASS and represents a significant engineering breakthrough. The introduction of the CLASS product into the EMS community has substantially improved patient care by providing a softer, smoother ride. The increased handling and a more stable platform enables the EMTs to perform vital procedures while in transit. This significantly increases the margin of safety for both patient and crew.

LiquidSpring, LLC continues to develop products for other Class 3-8 on-highway truck and military markets as well as providing sales, application, manufacturing, distribution and service of CLASS products. Visit liquidspring.com.

Pediatric Easy Dosing System (P.E.D.S.) from MeDirect

“The Pediatric Easy Dosing System offers a simple and effective means toward reducing the chance of medication errors.”

MeDirect’s syringe system is designed to improve medication administration speed and accuracy in pediatric medical emergencies. The syringe is made for each specific medication with identifiers that specify concentration and the drug intended for the syringe. Furthermore the syringe has a weight-based kilogram scale that eliminates the need for calculating doses, resulting in rapid and accurate medication administration.

MeDirect seeks to revolutionize the medical field and save the lives of many children with an innovative medical device. Simplicity and technology combined can generate change and transform the industry. Visit medirect.us.

Boedeker Suction Tube from KARL STORZ

“The Boedeker Suction Tube puts suction where it is needed most: during intubation at the tip of the blade. Why didn’t someone think of this sooner?”

KARL STORZ’s latest add-on tool for C-MAC metal blades provides a critical safeguard for its video laryngoscopes.

When the camera lens of a video laryngoscope (VL) blade becomes obstructed by blood and secretions, the device is rendered useless by the sudden blackout. You can no longer see what you are doing and must either remove the blade for cleaning and then attempt another intubation, or you may be forced to abandon the device altogether and use a direct laryngoscope (DL). Now C-MAC BOEDEKER Suction Tubes from KARL STORZ offer channeled C-MAC blades that hold the suction tubes securely; suction that starts at the blade’s distal tip, away from the lens, so the blade can be inserted slowly while suctioning to protect against obstructed views; do not impede the blade view, so the blade tip can be seen and used as a guide while suctioning; free up one hand, as opposed to using a Yankauer; and can be used with the oxygen port for passive oxygenation or to blow away secretions.

If a lens obstruction causes a sudden blackout, you can still revert to your DL skills, using the C-MAC blade as a regular direct laryngoscope without losing critical time cleaning the blade or locating a DL replacement.

Since its beginnings in 1945, KARL STORZ has established itself worldwide as an international and highly regarded company in the production and sale of medical instruments and devices. Not a giant on an international scale, but leaders in matters that count: creativity, versatility and competence. Visit karlstorz.com.

IQ Genius Vehicle RFID System from EMS Technology Solutions

“Inventory and location of your equipment could not get any easier than this.”

Identifying the location of assets like stretchers, EKG monitors and IV pumps is labor-intensive as they move from the station and among vehicles. IQ Genius from EMS Technology Solutions is a one-of-a-kind solution that uses radio frequency identification (RFID) to track and locate assets in real time as well as reduce vehicle inspection times, accounting for assets and inventory in seconds. Mounted in a vehicle the IQ Genius bar collects and sends data in real time using radio waves. This data is used in conjunction with Operative IQ Asset and Inventory Management software to provide unmatched accuracy, speed and visibility. Improve asset tracking and vehicle inspections with IQ Genius by Operative IQ.

EMS Technology Solutions, the provider of Operative IQ, has helped departments across North America reduce operating expenses, streamline processes and gain accountability and control. Visit operativeiq.com.

Pulsara Platform from Pulsara

“Pulsara combines simplicity and power.”

Who says an acute care management solution has to be complicated? Pulsara centers on using mobile technology to enhance patient outcomes by improving communication and care coordination. The easy-to-adopt, HIPAA-compliant Pulsara platform links up the entire emergency response team with a tap–eliminating unnecessary pagers, phone calls, operators, faxes and e-mails. STOP STEMI and STOP STROKE modules standardize communication, reinforce benchmarks with the universal clock and provide instant performance feedback. Every clinician–from the paramedic to each clinical stakeholder in the hospital–is on the same page with a simple tap.

Pulsara is a Bozeman, MT-based startup focused on the acute setting of healthcare. The company’s mission is to simplify care coordination to unite and empower people to better health. Visit pulsara.com.

e-Handtevy Mobile from Pediatric Emergency Standards Inc.

“The ease and intuitive nature of the Handtevy line extend to this mobile product. Decisions involving pediatric patients are infrequent and critical—Peter Antevy’s products set the standard.”

The revolutionary pediatric dosing system from Pediatric Emergency Standards Inc. is going mobile. It will be the first product to provide agency-specific information (medication and equipment) in real time simply by choosing the age (or length) of a child. All information can be seamlessly transmitted to the electronic patient record.

Pediatric Emergency Standards Inc. was created to advance the quality of pediatric emergency medical care to all sick and injured children. Visit handtevy.com.

Virtual Synchronized Mapping from VizuCop

“This is a real benefit that we haven’t seen before.”

Virtual Synchronized Mapping from VizuCop provides absolute GPS accuracy in a street-map view completely synchronized with high-quality recorded audio and video. Every stop, start and turn is displayed on screen with the nearest street addresses, eliminating the guesswork on vehicle location in real time and during playback. The patented mapping technology embeds this data into recorded in-vehicle audio/video evidence and is the only one of its kind to be admissible in court.

VizuCop brand police video, by AngelTrax, is engineered exclusively for law enforcement, providing in-vehicle and body-worn cameras, patented playback and mapping technologies and an all-in-one monitor with integrated event tagging and RFID. Visit vizucop.com.

Medic Ultrasound with Live-Streaming Video from Point of Care Ultrasound

“Combining ultrasound with telemetry is an interesting application of technology potentially boosting the power of field ultrasound.”

The Medic Ultrasound with live-streaming video provides an entire solution to the evaluation and treatment of critically ill patients in a more sophisticated manner upon medic arrival. This system offers the ability to treat the most critically ill patients more definitively on scene, allowing for set-up time for emergent surgery even before the patient arrives at the hospital, and to choose the patients to be transported first in the event of mass casualties.

Patent-pending technology transmits live streaming video from the initial medic site to a consultant’s smart device. Due to the live streaming nature of the transmission, this allows the consultant to give advice on how to achieve more information including scanning technique information while the medic examines the patient. A comprehensive medic education program begins with interactive videos. The education extends to personal hands-on education and review of the learners’ actual studies.

Point of Care Ultrasound provides increased diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities to enhance patient care. Visit pocultrasound.com.

ResQCPR System from ZOLL Medical Corporation

“CPR with an added punch; this system focuses attention on the things that actually matter in cardiac arrest resuscitation.”

The newly approved ResQCPR System from ZOLL Medical is a device combination that includes the ResQPUMP ACD-CPR device and the ResQPOD ITD 16. It is the only CPR adjunct with an FDA-approved indication to increase the likelihood of survival, and was shown in a large clinical trial to improve one-year survival following cardiac arrest by 49%. The ResQPUMP is the only device that performs true active compression decompression CPR (ACD-CPR) with 10 kg of active lift. Timing lights and a built-in metronome and force gauge promote high-quality ResQCPR.

ZOLL Medical Corporation develops and markets medical devices and software solutions that help advance emergency care and save lives, while increasing clinical and operational efficiencies. With products for defibrillation and monitoring, circulation and CPR feedback, data management, fluid resuscitation and therapeutic temperature management, ZOLL provides a comprehensive set of technologies that help EMS treat victims needing resuscitation and critical care. Visit zoll.com/emsfire.

Fluorescent Light LED Conversion Kit from Tecniq

“The simple application and immediate increased lighting provided by this system will make the prehospital provider’s job easier and save every ambulance system money in their long-term maintenance costs!”

Many ambulances have been equipped with fluorescent light fixtures in addition to the typical round dome lights. Fluorescent tubes typically suffer from severely shortened service lives because of the vibration and pounding they take during typical ambulance operations on our roadways.
Tecniq Inc. offers the E39 Fluorescent LED Conversion Kit, a quick and easy-to-install LED conversion kit to replace the white fluorescent tubes in a 12” or 18” fluorescent fixture in an ambulance interior ceiling. This kit offers brighter white LED lighting (1400+ lumens) operating at a color temperature that offers the best color rendering index for easy visual working conditions.

Fitted with double-backed adhesive tape, the E39 LED conversion kit adheres well to the fluorescent fixture metal base after the tubes are removed. The power wires are easily attached to the light fixture’s power leads.

Tecniq also offers a complete line of white LED round and rectangular dome lights for ambulance and special service vehicle interior use.
Tecniq, Inc. manufactures LED lighting for emergency vehicles. We offer LED lights with superior functionality, lower cost and a superior lifetime warranty on all of our products. Visit tecniqinc.com.

Magnetic Mic from Innovative Products, Inc.

“Brilliant idea that provides an easy and inexpensive fix to an unrecognized distraction, plus no more chewed-up knuckles trying to hang the mic up without looking.”

Magnetic Mic from Innovative Products, Inc. is an easy-to-install, universally compatible magnetic holder for your microphone. A lot of people talk about the dangers of distracted driving. Magnetic Mic is a simple and clever accessory that helps you actually do something about it. Magnetic Mic helps you stay focused on the road when picking up and returning your radio microphone to its holder. It’s an easy-to-install alternative to a conventional metal hang-up clip. Magnetic Mic consists of a magnetic base piece for your dashboard or console, and a disc-shaped adapter for the microphone itself. With Magnetic Mic, you simply get the microphone close to the base piece and let it go. Attracted by the magnet, the microphone just snaps into place. So, rather than dropping your eyes to hunt for and fumble with a conventional hang-up clip, you stay focused on the road.

Innovative Products, Inc. manufactures the Magnetic Mic for EMS vehicles, fire trucks, police vehicles and more. Visit stores.magneticmic.com.

Health Information Hub from ImageTrend

“Allows integrated and multi-disciplinary prehospital systems to customize their data sharing throughout the healthcare system.”

While emergency responders in the field and healthcare providers in clinics and hospitals often cross paths, the data doesn’t always follow the patient. Enter ImageTrend’s Health Information Hub (HIH), an innovative solution that connects the data for patient-centric care. Now practitioners can make more informed care decisions, free of the limitations of one-way data transmissions and PDF copies of reports.

ImageTrend’s software solutions help emergency professionals collect, connect and analyze important data for EMS, fire, trauma, emergency preparedness, licensure and more. Millions of electronic fire and patient care reports have been collected by local, regional, city and state users. Visit imagetrend.com.