Pranav Bajaj, Co-Founder, Medulance Healthcare emphasises that aided by the latest technology and high-speed internet, emergency care has transformed to another level today, with healthcare startups leveraging technical advancements to deliver quick and reliable care
Despite being the second most populated country and the largest democracy in the world, India has a fragmented emergency care system and inaccessible emergency medical services. On top of that, nearly four hundred deaths occur on Indian roads every day, as per the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways data of 2016. In addition, out of every 1 million people, 42,800 suffer from sudden cardiac arrest every year. These numbers indicate that emergency care is a big issue for the country today. While the government is trying to improve the condition of emergency care services in the country, telemedicine services and evolving technologies like 5G are bringing a new wave of change. At the helm of this revolution are healthcare startups, reshaping how emergency care services are perceived.
Healthcare startups: New heroes of India’s evolving healthcare ecosystem
Health tech startups are transforming the healthcare landscape through innovative medical technologies, enhancing patient care outcomes, streamlining healthcare delivery systems, and mitigating costs. The sector has experienced remarkable growth, with the total number of ventures soaring from 452 in 2016 to nearly 90,000 in India presently. Valued at approximately $2 billion, the over 8,000 health tech startups in India are expanding at an impressive rate of nearly 40 per cent.
While the healthcare or health tech startups bring in a new trajectory of change in the overall healthcare scenario, they are also playing a pivotal role in enhancing emergency care services in the country. One groundbreaking innovation that has emerged is the introduction of 5G ambulances, equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment and smart technology. This has significantly impacted the growth of health tech startups, revolutionising emergency medical services and reducing response times, especially during the crucial golden hour.
Aided by the latest technology and high-speed internet, emergency care has transformed to another level today, with healthcare startups leveraging technical advancements to deliver quick and reliable care.
The evolution of 5G ambulances
The evolution of 5G technology has paved the way for a new era in emergency medical services. The 5G ambulance is a marvel of modern healthcare infrastructure, boasting two-way audio-video communication capabilities and real-time transmission of vital signs through the 5G network. This innovation has been a game-changer, enabling emergency room doctors to provide life-saving assistance to patients before they even reach the hospital.
Since its launch, the 5G ambulance has garnered attention and adoption from renowned healthcare institutions. The integration of smart connected devices inside the ambulance allows for the seamless relay of patient data and vitals in real-time waveforms, creating a bridge between the ambulance and the emergency room.
Real-time communication for swift medical intervention
One of the main advantages of 5G ambulances is the ability to facilitate real-time communication between doctors and paramedics and inside the ambulance and doctors in the emergency room. The two-way audio-video communication platform ensures that a doctor can review incoming patient data promptly and provide immediate assistance. This improves the chances of a better prognosis, besides ensuring that medical attention starts the moment a patient is moved inside the ambulance.
Compared to traditional ambulance transport, where medical attention begins only upon reaching the hospital, the 5G ambulance represents a paradigm shift. It transforms these vehicles into Remote Monitoring Units, especially in areas with 5G network availability, making them crucial in providing healthcare access to remote or underserved regions, including tier-3 cities.
Enhancing patient care and prognosis
The use of 5G technology in ambulances is a significant step towards improving patient care and prognosis. With real-time transmission of accurate patient data, doctors can make informed decisions even before the patient arrives at the hospital. This has a direct impact on the golden hour – the critical period following a traumatic injury or medical emergency when timely intervention can make a substantial difference in patient outcomes.
Moreover, the smart devices used in these ambulances are at the forefront of the sector, ensuring high accuracy in data collection and transmission. This reliability is further emphasised by the extensive testing conducted before the launch of these services, validating their effectiveness in real-world emergencies.
Telemedicine: Bridging the gap in emergency care
In addition to the revolutionary impact of 5G ambulances, telemedicine has emerged as a crucial component in the digital transformation of emergency care. Connected ambulances act as mobile telemedicine hubs, enabling virtual consultations between paramedics and doctors. This approach ensures that expert medical advice is accessible during transit, optimising the use of the golden hour and improving the overall quality of emergency medical services.
The seamless integration of telemedicine in emergency care also extends beyond the ambulance. Once the patient reaches the hospital, the recorded vitals and medical history from the ambulance are shared with the attending doctor in the Emergency Room. This not only expedites the triaging process but also enhances the continuity of care, providing a comprehensive understanding of the patient’s condition from the moment the emergency occurred.
Conclusion
The close interplay of 5G technology, smart devices, and telemedicine in the realm of emergency care represents a giant leap forward in healthcare innovation. Health tech startups spearheading these initiatives are contributing to a paradigm shift in the way we approach medical emergencies. The 5G ambulance, with its real-time communication capabilities and advanced medical technology, is a beacon of hope for patients in critical conditions, ensuring that the golden hour is utilised to its fullest potential. As we continue to embrace the digital age in healthcare, the role of telemedicine and connected ambulances will only become more integral. The seamless flow of information, rapid decision-making, and improved patient outcomes are the hallmarks of this transformative era in emergency medical services.