Key Government Technology Keeps EMS Teams Connected
Each year, 240 million 911 calls are made in the U.S. to first responders who protect our communities in mission critical situations every day. In order to help the closest first responders respond quickly and efficiently, they need updated government technology that allows them to focus on their number one priority — serving local communities. Now in the age of FirstNet, the nationwide public safety broadband network, first responders and those who support them can remain more connected, more effective and more efficient than ever before.
While FirstNet has proven to be an integral component of recovery efforts following many large-scale emergencies in 2018, such as the California wildfires, it’s important to also recognize how first responders, such as EMS and extended primary users like hospital personnel, can reap the benefits of this reliable, high speed data network every day.
Each day, EMS teams across the U.S. use TOUGHBOOK devices to receive location information and share patient care and telemetry data with hospital personnel. This improves the standard of care by providing better situational awareness for emergency department staff before patients arrive. By transforming the way prehospital care is delivered to patients through near real-time pre-arrival communication, doctors using TOUGHBOOK devices connected to FirstNet can better prepare for their patients and ultimately deliver better care in a more efficient manner.
With EMS in the midst of a government technology revolution, it’s important to ensure agencies are equipped to transform care for their local communities. Consider a daily scenario using FirstNet-connected TOUGHBOOK modular laptops to dispatch, document and deliver patient care for an improved standard of care.
Modern Government Technology In Action
Imagine two cars are involved in a head-on collision at a busy intersection in your local town center. A nearby pedestrian witnesses the crash and calls 911, reporting the location, which is verified using NG-911. All of this information is entered into the computer-aided dispatch system and sent to responding units along with emergency medical dispatch notes via their TOUGHBOOK, which is connected to FirstNet.
A nearby police officer receives the dispatch of the motor vehicle accident through her TOUGHBOOK device. She arrives at the accident within minutes, triages the scene and shares her assessment with the responding rescue crew en route to the crash.
When the ambulance arrives just minutes later, paramedics take victims’ vital signs, stabilize the patients and treat for injuries en route to the hospital. As the paramedics treat each victim, they document their treatment into an electronic patient care report, which they can share with the nearby hospital. As the ambulance arrives at the hospital, the emergency room staff is already equipped with a patient report, key vital signs and other patient data.
While responding to traffic accidents is common for EMS personnel across the country, this seamless process of sharing patient data is still evolving, and TOUGHBOOK along with FirstNet connectivity can help accelerate the process. By updating processes with mobile devices connected to FirstNet, medical teams will be equipped with the government technology they need to not only make better patient care decisions in the field, but also to facilitate better care throughout the healthcare system.
Are You Ready for FirstNet?
How can you ensure that your agency is ready for FirstNet? By working with a trusted company like Panasonic. As an authorized FirstNet Dealer with a long history of supporting public safety agencies, we’re committed to helping you understand how to transition onto FirstNet to benefit from a dedicated network that enables access to near real-time information and reliable records needed to protect communities when it matters most.
To find out how Panasonic can help first responders be part of what’s next in emergency response, visit https://na.panasonic.com/us/computers-tablets-handhelds/first-responder-solutions.
