Real-Time Video from Emergency Sites to Remote Physicians
- Customer
- Hanshin Expressway Engineering Company Limited
- Industry
- Transportation
- Contec products
- BOX Computer BX-955
- Goals
- Space saving, Work efficiency improvement
Hanshin Expressway Engineering’s Dr. Now system streams live patient video from ambulances to hospitals. The fanless, shock-resistant BX-955 BOX Computer handles image processing and communications on board.
Overview
Hanshin Expressway Engineering Company Limited builds, maintains and restores the 243.8 km expressway network in the Hanshin area of western Japan. Drawing on video distribution technology developed for expressway maintenance, it created Dr. Now, a real-time medical emergency video system. Contec’s BOX Computer runs the image processing and communications in first responder vehicles.
Challenge
In emergencies, responders must assess a patient and relay information to a physician immediately, but this was done only by voice over the phone. Hard-to-hear audio and physicians giving orders without seeing the patient put a heavy burden on responders.
Solution
Dr. Now sends real-time patient video, vital signs and graph data from the scene or ambulance to the hospital. A physician can remotely operate the onboard camera to view the patient from head to toe, and responders carry a compact camera to support triage. Testing began in December 2009 with Yokosuka Kyosai Hospital and Miura Fire Department in Kanagawa, and continues with Kure Kyosai Hospital and Kure Fire Department.
- Uninterrupted video while moving, using proprietary analysis of cellular conditions
- Standard commercial peripherals to keep costs low
- Low communication fees and running costs
- Security that protects patient privacy
The ambulance equipment uses the BX-955 BOX-PC series, whose slim, shock-resistant body (35 × 182 × 155 mm) fits in very small spaces. In July 2010, Hanshin Expressway Engineering and group company Joho-Tech agreed with Contec to jointly market, sell and maintain real-time video distribution systems.
Results
The system was highly praised during testing, and trials continue with hospital and fire department partners. Planning Division Manager Furitsu Yasuda said critical care in confined ambulances demands excellent operability and stability; after testing various equipment, the team chose the BX-955 for being fanless, durable, shock-resistant, dust-protected, energy-saving and much faster.
Contec products used
Originally published by Contec Co., Ltd. at contec.com.