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A computer/GPS guidance system for emergency rescue vehicle location
1Virginia Commonwealth University, USA.
Biomedical Instrumentation & Technology
|January 1, 1995
Summary
This study demonstrates a new digital communication system for rural Emergency Medical Services (EMS). The system successfully met design criteria and performed well in real-world trials, enabling vehicle tracking.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medical Services (EMS) technology
- Digital communication systems
- Rural healthcare infrastructure
Background:
- Existing EMS communication systems may have limitations in rural areas.
- Need for enhanced data capabilities in mobile EMS units.
- Previous rudimentary tests indicated system potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a new digital data communication system for a rural EMS agency.
- To assess the system's performance against original design criteria.
- To determine the feasibility of 'plug and play' installation in existing transceivers.
Main Methods:
- System testing in a real, small-agency, rural EMS environment.
- Integration with existing agency transceivers requiring no internal circuitry changes.
- Addressing Federal Communications Commission (FCC) licensing for digital data transmission.
Main Results:
- The system successfully met all original design criteria.
- Testing yielded positive results, including successful tracking of an EMS vehicle over approximately 700 square miles.
- 'Plug and play' installation was confirmed as feasible.
Conclusions:
- The developed digital communication system is effective for rural EMS operations.
- FCC licensing was a significant, time-consuming factor in the trial deployment.
- The system's successful performance and ease of installation suggest high satisfaction potential for EMS agencies.