In this MEDICA-tradefair.com interview, Professor Wilhelm Stork describes how EmergencyEye can help in emergencies, explains why telemedicine is generally very important and reveals how Germany still lags behind when it comes to the digitization of healthcare.
Professor Stork, what is the basic idea behind EmergencyEye?
Prof. Wilhelm Stork: EmergencyEye is a project concept that is part of the RAMSES (Remote Access to Medical Information on Smartphones during Emergencies and Health Crisis) research project, which is funded by the EU as it relates to the EIT Health Program. It targets the high mortality rate as a result of sudden cardiac arrest. The idea behind the project: If an emergency call is placed, the caller only verbally explains the situation to the dispatcher over the phone. If based on this account the dispatcher determines that resuscitation is required, he or she will try to instruct the first responder via the phone on what steps should be taken on-site. Meanwhile, this verbal communication is not very successful in practice, as evidenced by the high mortality rate of nearly 90 percent. Nowadays, practically everyone has a smartphone with a built-in camera. Both can be used to not only explain the emergency situation but to actually show the dispatcher the situation at hand. He or she can, in turn, use this to interactively instruct the first responder on what should be done.
How does that work exactly?
Stork: As soon as the first responder makes the emergency call by using his/her smartphone to talk to the dispatcher, the phone number is transmitted to the emergency control center. A URL will then be sent back via text message with an attached app ready for download. The user now only has to enable this app to be installed. The app then turns on the camera and creates a video call connection to the dispatcher. In doing so, the first responder could instantly show the person with possible cardiac arrest lying on the floor. The emergency medical dispatcher is subsequently able to better assess the situation and instruct the first responder on how to take resuscitation measures. Obviously, the best-case scenario would be if there were at least two first responders so that one can hold the smartphone with the camera while the other is taking action.
In case of sudden cardiac arrest, the dispatcher can monitor and correct the first responder's actions. For example, during chest compressions, the recommended compression depth is about eight centimeters, which most people shy away from because they are afraid of hurting the patient's chest area. The dispatcher can monitor this closely via the camera and coach the first responder with respective instructions to exert more pressure if needed.