Firefighters use iPads to transmit patient data

The use of mobile devices to provide care for individuals is becoming more commonplace—even beyond the clinic walls.

In fact, the Laguna Beach Fire Department’s 50 or so firefighters have begun using iPads to record and transmit patient data from the site of an emergency to hospitals and ambulance companies, reports the Daily Pilot. The California department own nine iPads, which are rotated between firefighters as needed, and the department is expected to receive an additional 13 iPads through a grant.

Users can enter in a patient’s name, age and nature of injury and transmit data directly to physicians before that person arrives at the hospital. Also, firefighters can transmit photos of the scene so physicians can see whether a patient fell 10 or 50 feet, said Api Weinert, the department’s emergency medical services trainer and division chief, in the article.

“Medical emergencies are extremely time-sensitive. The doctor might have to get the MRI machine up and running. Minutes and seconds make a difference," Weinert was quoted as saying.

Addressing the issue of privacy, Weinert told the paper that all iPad users must enter passwords and information is encrypted. The tablets can only store records for five patients at a time.