Scottish Ambulance Plans to Network Vehicles

Scottish Ambulance plans to put networked computers in all of its emergency vehicles to provide crews with better information en route to emergency incidents in an investment project worth up to £6m.

The multimillion project, which would cover the whole of Scotland, is designed to cut response times, improve communications with hospital casualty departments and provide improved clinical data to crews.

A computer built into the dashboard of each ambulance will provide crews with improved information on the details of incidents and how to get there.

In addition, a second portable device in the back of the ambulance will allow paramedics to electronically record critical patient information at the incident scene that can then be transmitted to the receiving A&E department.

Data that can be recorded will include patient details, the patient’s condition, vital signs such as ECGs and treatment provided by ambulance paramedics.

"The system will help improve response times, provide crews with better information so they are more prepared when they arrive at an incident," Mr Ian Shanley, Communications and IT Services Manager with Scottish Ambulance told E-Health Insider.

All electronic data will also be fed into Scottish Ambulance’s clinical database to help analyse and audit response times, treatment given and identify where improvements can be made.

Mr Shanley added that the system would enable all the current paper-based clinical information from ambulances to be electronically captured and exchanged. "This will help us improve pre-hospital care."

The project also aims will to link patient’s clinical information to the electronic health records maintained by hospitals – known in Scotland as SCI stores. "We would look to link into that record, which would enable us to complete the loop," said Mr Shanley.

He stressed that the project has involved front-line staff from the outset to ensure it meets their requirements. Eventually the in-board computers will enable staff to send and receive emails, electronic forms and provide them with access to personnel records and even shift rosters

Initial plans call for computers to be fitted in all of Scottish Ambulance’s 500 emergency vehicles as part of the service’s information and communications strategy – 2002-2007. Further plans also call for electronic log systems to be fitted to the service’s 500 non-emergency vehicles.

The outline business case for the project, which is provisionally costed at £6m, is due to be submitted to the board of Scottish Ambulance in February. In principal backing for the project has already been approved.

Assuming the plan is approved by Scottish Ambulance and funding agreed by the Scottish Executive Mr Shanley estimates that a preferred supplier would be selected by August 2003 with implementation beginning in 2004.