Find the Right Technology

EMS workers have demanding jobs where both speed and accuracy are paramount. It’s imperative the tools they use support an environment that lets them work with confidence.

Technology continues to deliver innovation and efficiency. And, thanks to accelerations in digital transformation and wireless connectivity, companion devices such as tablets, handhelds, and laptops are reaching new levels of functionality.

The rapid adoption of technology is expanding the role of the EMS worker. New technologies are being used every day in critical care situations, allowing workers to assess the landscape in a more timely and informed manner. For example, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are helping train EMTs to become more familiar with their ambulances and better prepared for mass casualties and different scenarios. Similarly, “Internet of Things” (IoT) wearables can efficiently collect data and transmit it quickly and securely to hospitals. And 4G LTE and the rollout of 5G creates better connectivity, improving communication between EMS workers, doctors, and hospitals.

Health care has never been so connected. Patient records have evolved to include not only text but images and voice recordings to create a holistic view of a patient’s history. These assessments can be shared between EMS workers and doctors in real time to decide how best to move forward with care.

A Greater Role

One result of this adoption of technology is that the role of the EMS worker has shifted and expanded. Though health care occupations are projected to add more jobs than any other groups, this projected growth is mainly due to an aging population generating a greater demand for services. Combined with labor shortages plaguing the industry due to burnout and fatigue, every medical worker is taking on more responsibility and expected to do more in their day-to-day tasks. The only way to meet growing demand and increasingly high expectations is to deploy the right technology—and make sure it can keep up as the industry transforms.

To keep up with new demands, EMS workers need specific features.

The average consumer considers an entirely different set of features when purchasing a device versus what an EMT or paramedic would look for. The EMS provider must be more concerned with function: Will this device last through my entire shift? Can it withstand the environment I work in? Can I use the device with gloves or in times of bad weather?

Connectivity and durability are essential, helping providers gain situational awareness so their focus can remain on the patient, eliminating some of the variability and stress that comes with unique and challenging environments.

Below are some other considerations for workers in this field:

Mobile connectivity—Devices embedded with 4G LTE connectivity—or, even better, 5G—are essential to ensuring speed and efficiency. With a consistent connection data can be accessed, added, or shared in real time throughout the process. This also helps limit any discrepancies in quality of service between urban and more rural areas, where connectivity can be harder to come by.

Device durability and longevity—EMS workers perform in extreme environments, and their devices should be able to withstand hot temperatures, freezing cold, rain, and the occasional drop. Durability doesn’t only mean lasting a long time but also other features, such as long battery life to last through a shift and being hot-swappable, which means you can swap in a new battery without powering down the device.

High-quality audio and video features without sacrificing durability—With the increasing mobility of the job between ambulances and at-home or telehealth visits, audio and video features are among the fastest-growing demands in this field. Audio that can be captured even over a wailing siren means a job can continue without disruption. Similarly, improved video quality ensures telehealth visits are effective with the added visual dimension.

Medical-specific features—There are features, particularly on rugged devices, that are specific to the needs of medical personnel. These include barcode scanners, which can be used to unlock medical records and keep track of medications; infrared cameras with flash to track patient temperatures and take images that can be shared with doctors to determine what care is needed; and programmable buttons that require less thinking and allow workers to do their jobs more efficiently by connecting to and switching between different applications instantly. It is important that the device you select either have these technologies and functionalities built in or can be updated through modular components without replacing an entire device fleet.

Warranty and IT support—Looking beyond just the device itself, it’s also important to consider warranty and IT support when determining which device is best for your needs. Budgets are tight in this field, and devices can be tough to replace. Having even one device down in an ambulance, for example, can be extremely detrimental to the EMT as well as the patient.

Conclusion

The EMS world has not been immune to accelerated digital transformation over the past few years. While this has created more opportunities to foster cohesive, efficient, and effective responses to emergency situations, it also leaves little room for error.

Make sure your team is equipped with the right technology to deliver the right care today, tomorrow, and in 5 years’ time.

Patricia Clark is a senior account manager with Panasonic.