Posted by 
Technological advancements and the integration of AI are enhancing emergency medical services globally. From saving lives in seconds to predicting major patterns to avoid accidents, the application of AI is transforming the industry as a whole.
SwissCognitive Guest Blogger: Aparna M.A – “Life on the Front Lines: How AI is Reimaging Emergency Medical Services”
Emergency services that offer immediate pre-hospital care and transportation for critical diseases and injuries are known as emergency medical services (EMS). They can be contacted by members of the public, healthcare facilities, businesses, emergency services, and authorities via an emergency telephone number, and this encompasses ambulance services, paramedic services, and more.
Although ambulances are often the main mode of transportation for EMS organizations, they can also make use of squad cars, motorcycles, planes, boats, and other vehicles. Some EMS organizations may also include rescue squads and non-emergency patient transport services in addition to emergency care.
This blog will be the ultimate guide on emergency medical services and how AI is assisting in saving millions of lives.
In situations of medical emergencies and high-risk patients, such as car accidents, house injuries, fires, and natural catastrophes, every minute, if not every second, spent without care could lower the likelihood of survival or full recovery.
In fact, after just 4 minutes of oxygen deprivation, permanent brain damage starts to develop, and death can happen as quickly as 6–8 minutes later. Digital health innovations that make patients the point of care might turn out to be game-changers for first responders and emergency units in this race against time.
This is exactly why the application of artificial intelligence and technological advancements in emergency medical service is paramount.
AI to detect and predict accidents in real time before they could occur
Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing multiple aspects of healthcare, especially drug delivery, diagnosis, and now has stepped into the realm of emergency medical services. Hexagon Software also unveiled its artificial intelligence (AI) emergency services solution in 2020. Their HxGN OnCall Dispatch | Smart Advisor technology continuously mines and analyzes operational data to identify trends and detect significant events.
The insights enable emergency teams to react and coordinate more quickly when anomalies are discovered earlier. Furthermore, the National Ambulance Service in Hungary is utilizing AI for capacity allocation and logistics.
These advancements are further likely to propel the emergency medical service. As stated by Extrapolate, the global Emergency Medical Services Market size is projected to reach USD 35.4 billion by 2032.
AI video games eliciting decision making
Level Ex, a Chicago-based startup, creates mobile video games for medical professionals to train them. For instance, their Airway Ex app provides realistic scenarios for medical professionals and paramedics to better prepare for difficult airway management.
The software rates the worker’s performance in terms of speed, damage done, bleeding, and also keeps track of the virtual patient’s vital signs as the procedure is carried out. Additionally, it may be used anywhere, including at home, on the tube, and even while on vacation in Dubai.
Paramedics can alert the emergency department before arriving with patients
According to some estimates, medical staff miscommunication accounts for up to 80% of clinical errors. Such mistakes should be eliminated as much as possible when providing emergency care, and modern software applications can assist.
With the use of its mobile-connected app, paramedics can notify and prepare an emergency department before their arrival with the patient. It does this not only by estimating the time of arrival using GPS but also by enabling users to exchange crucial information like the ECG or pictures taken in the field. These innovations are just the tip of the iceberg.
World’s first AI system for emergency dispatch is out
The 101 Emergency Dispatch Centre of Magen David Adom now has a new artificial intelligence system to assist EMTs and paramedics in getting the information they require so that help can arrive more quickly. The Hebrew-language system was created in collaboration with the voice networking and media processing solutions provider Audio Codes.
MDA claims that it is the first system of its sort created with an emergency dispatch center in mind. When there is a problem with the call’s quality, the system helps the dispatch center by providing a real-time transcription of the call on the 101 lines.
AI robotic drones rescuing lives in emergency medical cases
University of California researchers are investigating if AI technology can be used to send drones equipped with medical supplies to an emergency location that is difficult for EMS vehicles to reach promptly. The study focuses on how to choose the right time to dispatch a drone as well as how and where to locate drones for quick deployment by healthcare professionals.
With emergency medical services increasingly embracing artificial intelligence and technological advancements, this industry is proving to be at the forefront of the future.
Artificial intelligence (AI) enables patient care systems to evaluate early signs and symptoms and route patients to the best hospital, leading to precise and efficient treatments. The UK’s National Health Service displayed an AI tool that can diagnose cardiac problems in under 20 seconds, as opposed to the usual 13 minutes. Then there are portable point-of-care diagnostic tools like ECGs that can transmit data to the physician even before the patient reaches the emergency room.
IoT and Wearable devices acting as the silent guardians
EMS is not an exception to how the Internet of Things (IoT) is revolutionizing healthcare. Sensor-equipped wearables can continually track physiological indicators, including oxygen levels and vital signs. These devices have the ability to communicate real-time data to EMS providers in an emergency, allowing for the early identification of urgent conditions and prompt care. Additionally, because of this connectedness, patients with chronic illnesses can be monitored remotely, which eliminates the need for frequent hospital visits.
Future of Emergency Medical Services
With AI and technology, the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) of the future are poised for radical change. AI algorithms will improve triage and diagnosis, enabling paramedics and emergency medical dispatchers to make choices more quickly and accurately. Virtual and augmented reality will offer immersive training opportunities and real-time patient information.
Drones will deliver supplies and handle emergency situations, while IoT and wearable technology will permit remote monitoring. Resource allocation and coordination will be optimized via data analytics, predictive modelling, and AI-driven communication platforms. Utilizing these breakthroughs to improve EMS care necessitates careful application and privacy issues.
About the Author:
Aparna M.A is an AI and tech enthusiast with her recent work covering domains of technology, innovation, and delivering what influences the industry landscape! She closely follows innovation in the Artificial Intelligence-Machine Learning landscape and writes on what’s brewing hot in the industry.
