Village Ambulance Installs Electronic Data System
WILLIAMSTOWN — Village Ambulance Service's new electronic data system allows patient information to be entered more efficiently, eliminating a time-consuming pen and paper-based system.The service began using a new integrated pre-hospital data collection system on June 16 that allows emergency medical technicians and paramedics to enter patient care information electronically.
In traditional paper-based systems, carbon copy forms are used to manually record patient details and interventions administered. When possible, this data was written during transit, but it often involved a follow-up by EMT's and paramedics when details of the report were unfinished. This system was time-consuming and often problematic because of incomplete or inaccurate data, illegible handwriting, or damaged forms.
Now, all of the service's three ambulances are equipped with a wireless router infrastructure and a heavy-duty tablet personal computer. The tablet allows emergency personnel to enter data either through a keyboard or a pen-shaped stylus directly on the screen with Windows XP software. The new system is expected to increase the timeliness and accuracy of emergency-care data since each field on the tablet PC has built-in logic to ensure employees enter relevant information every time.
Once the data entry is complete, the information is electronically transferred to a central database where a digital version of the report is sent real-time to the hospital's fax machine. If necessary, a paper version of the report can be printed out at the ambulance service's headquarters at the conclusion of the call.
Advantages of the system include faster and more accurate collection of incident data, patient condition, and treatment information right from the patient's side; whether roadside, in the ambulance, or at the patient's home or work place.
The system incorporates techniques for protecting highly confidential patient information in the mobile environment. It also helps the ambulance service conform to regulatory compliance mandated by the state, and, with the push of a button, can provide important health information to the mobile EMT and paramedic teams.
The computer systems are not the only enhancements for Village Ambulance Service. EMT and paramedic teams may well arrive on the scene in the service's new ambulance, placed in service on June 25.
The ambulance was built by the McCoy Miller Co. and uses a 2008 Ford E-450 chassis powered by a Ford diesel engine. The cost was $110,000 before medical equipment was installed. The service received a $17,500 trade-in credit on an old ambulance. As a result of the capital fund established in 1997 for vehicle replacement, Village Ambulance Service has been able to purchase new ambulances in 2006, 2007 and 2008 without those costs affecting the operating budget.
With just under 30 employees and three ambulances, Village Ambulance Service is receiving approximately 2,800 calls annually, and has been absorbing a 5 to 10 percent annual increase.
The service covers emergency and non-emergency medical calls 24 hours a day in Williamstown, New Ashford and Hancock, and from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays in Pownal, Vt. It is also the primary provider of emergency medical transport at Jiminy Peak Ski Resort and offers ambulance backup services to North Adams and Adams.
