Sustainable development and the Internet - environmental, social and economic impacts of e-work
This article appears in eGov monitor Weekly, the most informative round-up of electronic government and public sector ICT. To receive this publication apply here

16 June 2003

eWell-Being Awards 2003: Wireless

This category is for projects that use wireless devices and networks for social and environmental benefit.

Winner:TeleMedic Systems

Remote Medical Monitoring Device

VitalLink 1200 is a portable, wireless device that enables people in remote areas to be in touch with medical care 24 hours a day. This remote medical monitoring apparatus is packaged in a durable, portable water-resistant backpack and is designed for use by nonmedically trained personnel.VitalLink measures a patient's vital signs and transmits the information in "real time" to a 24/7 medical centre for advice and diagnosis by a qualified medical professional.The equipment is particularly useful in emergency situations where quick diagnosis is essential and in rural locations, where the patient may be located a long way from a hospital.

The main objective of the suite of Vitalink products is to overcome the barrier of remote location by providing medical assistance to individuals via a portable monitoring device.

The VitalLink 1200 consists of a Medical Unit and a touch screen Patient Display Unit. The Medical Unit contains an ECG, pulse oximeter, temperature probe and a blood pressure cuff that together measure the patientfs vital signs. The two units are linked by a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) and can be separated by up to 100m (300ft).This unique feature allows the Patient Display Unit to be moved to a communication link rather than moving the patient. Information collected by the Patient Display Unit can then be sent out using a landline, satellite connection, mobile phone or over IP.Thanks to this versatility, and the use of wireless technology, the casualty can receive medical aid regardless of their location. All the units have been designed for use by non-medical personnel.

Technical details of VitalLink:

·VitalLink 1200 uses 802.11 - a wireless LAN technology, in the 2.4Ghz spectrum
·VitalLink 1200 uses a touch screen that provides a simple and concise user interface.

Information provided by Vitalink 1200 allows a medical professional to evaluate the patient in enough detail to enable remote diagnosis and decide on the best course of action - such as whether the patient needs to evacuated, or if this expensive procedure can be avoided. If necessary, medical professionals can also use the interface to direct and monitor patient care by an inexperienced person at the scene.

VitalLink has been designed so that any organisation operating in remote areas, be it on land, at sea or in the air, can benefit from comprehensive medical advice in the event of an emergency.

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