Medical emergencies are unpredictable and may occur at the worst time. Therefore, it is valuable to have swift services to deliver medical supplies during emergencies. In the case of any delays in transportation, the lives of people involved in accidents are at high risk and will have lower and lower chances of recovery or survival.
A human brain deprived of oxygen causes irreversible damage in under four minutes. The same person may not be alive after four to six minutes.
Digital healthcare technologies allow you to race against time and save people regardless of their location. You can turn the patient to the point of care when needed. Emergency units and first responders require these technologies to ensure they can save lives and offer emergency services effectively.
One major technology that has revolutionized the world of digital healthcare is Artificial Intelligence. With AI, it is possible to use drones and autonomous vehicles to deliver medical supplies within minutes to any location. More research on AI technology is increasing by looking at the advancements and influence on emergency patient care.
According to Gartner, the transportation sector expects to double the machine automation and AI used in its supply chain process over the next five years. Another recent study found that global spending on IoT platforms will grow from just $1.67B in 2018 to a whopping $12.44B in 2024. In less than eight years, this is a 40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR).
The innovations and trends in the medical supply chain sector are pushing emergency medicine into the front lane. This post looks at the possible ways transportation AI will impact the field and make deliveries seamless and faster.
AI for Logistics and Capacity Allocation
AI is already revolutionizing the world of the supply chain. For example, in logistics and capacity allocation, detailed reports are essential to optimize the day-to-day operations of the transportation sector. AI offers intelligent algorithms to offer a logical and practical solution for mining data required for accurate predictions of future operations.
AI can predict the statistical probability of accidents on roads to show the best possible point for future operations. In addition, planning for daily capacity allocation of medical supplies within countries is essential for deploying vehicles to the nearest areas with capacity peaks.
Apps for Emergency Care
Studies show that 80% of clinical errors occur due to miscommunication between medical staff. Technically, medical information requires accurate sorting to ensure you offer the best services to each patient. However, AI and innovative software programs will eliminate these errors by automating manual and repetitive tasks for emergency care.
An innovative platform developed by the U.S Company Pulsara helps in proper ambulance and emergency management. The venue is a mobile app that allows paramedics to notify the emergency department before the arrival of a new patient and make the necessary preparations to ensure their survival.
The app also calculates the estimated arrival time by relying on a GPS while enabling the paramedics to share essential details such as images or ECGs from the field.
Another essential free app mainly used in transportation is the Full Code Pro. It uses real-time CPR event tracking tools that allow users to document critical interventions. For example, it will enable first responders to input their administered medication, start a countdown, and access metronomes to optimize chest compression rhythm. Doctors can then use these details to offer effective medical care.
Supportive and Tutorial Video Games
A huge part of digital health training uses games that simulate real-world emergency cases. Healthcare professionals can use these games to learn their skills and do their jobs effectively.
One prominent example of a company that has followed suit is Level Ex. Level Ex is a Chicago-based start-up that created the Airway Ex app to allow doctors and paramedics to prepare themselves for airway management issues in every realistic scenario.
The app shows scores on damages caused, bleeding, and speed of the virtual patient’s vital stats while the “procedure” occurs. Medical practitioners can use the app anywhere, making learning easy and convenient.
Driverless Ambulances
Limited transportation has been a significant barrier to access to healthcare in the world for many years. Statistics show that over 3.6 million people worldwide miss their doctors’ appointments and healthcare services due to a lack of transportation.
To solve these issues, companies like Uber and Lyft have launched new services for non-emergency medical transportation. The services enable patients to reach hospitals safely and get their services.
Uber launched Uber Health non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) service. The service is HIPAA-compliant to ensure they follow the regulations set to offer excellent healthcare services.
Lyft is also expanding to offer NEMT to ensure patients can efficiently access healthcare services. To optimize transportation, driverless cars are on the rise. They have the potential to allow cars to become the point of care. The new technology made successful by AI will ease any burdens of emergency transport services and enable excellent patient care.
Other governments are already setting up these driverless ambulances as ‘medical taxis’ to pick up low-risk patients and transport them to the nearest clinic for treatment.
Medical Drones
Drones are a great alternative to transporting vaccines, medical aids, and drugs faster than today’s options. For example, for emergency medical services, drones effectively deliver external defibrillators (AEDs) straight to patients who may have suffered a heart attack.
Apart from transportation, the drones can also offer instructions in the form of videos to passers to enable them to give CPR with the AED machine they deliver to the emergency location. Drones are the most effective transportation option for remote areas, especially islands with no road access.
The Future of EMS
Digital technologies support emergency care units and help handle situations safely and more confidently, but they also help all patients get services quickly and effectively. The widespread use of AI for improving the delivery of emergency medical supplies.
At Medi-Ops, we strive for the best technology-enabled logistics and transportation organization and bring unique and innovative perspectives to medical supply chains. Request a demo today to understand how they work.