Application of Tele-Ultrasound in Emergency Medical Services

Abstract

In emergency medical services, portable ultrasound scanners have the potential to become new-age stethoscopes for emergency physicians. For trauma cases in particular, portable ultrasound scanners can scan the chest and abdomen of emergency patients both rapidly and conveniently. This study describes the development of tele-ultrasound for pre-diagnosis in a medical emergency setting as a part of the updated Mobile Hospital Emergency Medical System (MHEMS). An emergency medical technician can provide an emergency physician with a patient's ultrasound images and medical information during the patient's pre-hospitalization and transportation period using a combination of the MHEMS, the portable ultrasound scanner, and the onboard 3G communication capabilities. The MHEMS includes a Dispatch and Mission Control Center that facilitates the communication between the Emergency Department of a specified hospital, the systems aboard the ambulance. Early receipt of information relevant to the patient will enhance pre-diagnosis options for on-duty emergency physicians and allow for a hospital's emergency department to promptly prepare necessary surgical instruments or beds. Furthermore, emergency medical technicians can also obtain instructions from on-duty physicians to enhance damage and disaster control ability in critical moments.

Out of hospital point of care ultrasound: current use models and future directions

“…A tele-ultrasound system was devised for the National Taiwan University Hospital EMS system as well [68]. Investigators in this study used a 3G communication protocol to transfer data (including ultrasound images, video, and vital signs) from the ambulance to the dispatch and mission control center as well as the receiving hospital emergency department.…”

Point-of-Care Cardiac Ultrasound: Feasibility of Performance by Noncardiologists

“…In a program in Taiwan, 3G communications protocol was used to transfer ultrasound data from the ambulance to dispatch and the receiving hospital emergency department [41]. Ultrasound images obtained in the ambulance can therefore be reviewed remotely by clinicians in a variety of locations.…”

Portable Ultrasound for Remote Environments, Part I: Feasibility of Field Deployment

“…A tele-ultrasound system was devised for the National Taiwan University Hospital EMS system as well (36). Investigators in this study used a 3G communication protocol to transfer data (e.g., ultrasound images, video, vital signs) from the ambulance to the dispatch and mission control center as well as the receiving hospital emergency department.…”