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| Version | User | Scope of changes |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 22 2008, 4:51 PM EDT (current) | disasterlogistics | 1109 words added, 6 photos added |
| Apr 22 2008, 4:32 PM EDT | disasterlogistics |
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Real-time medical networking and diagnostics.
Telemedicine utilizes broadband satellite communications, the Internet and cellular technologies to allow field personnel 
in real-time to diagnose critical patient information with the assistance of medical specialist anywhere in the world. The output of electronic stethoscopes,ultrasound imagery and other medical equipment are sent instantaneous to a staff of collaborating doctors. Additionally, the collaborating medical professional can see and speak to patients half a world away.
in real-time to diagnose critical patient information with the assistance of medical specialist anywhere in the world. The output of electronic stethoscopes,ultrasound imagery and other medical equipment are sent instantaneous to a staff of collaborating doctors. Additionally, the collaborating medical professional can see and speak to patients half a world away.
HELP's Doc-In-A-Box Unveiled at U.S. Disaster Exercise Connecting hospitals, specialists and disaster victims
HELP's much anticipated mobile telemedicine clinic known as "Doc-in-a-Box" was unveiled during Operations "Golden Phoenix" and "Freedom's Ring" recently. The 20'x8' cargo container retrofitted as a mobile medical clinic is able to be deployed nearly anywhere in the world. For this exercise it was used in a joint military and civilian disaster exercise conducted in California and Arizona July 23-25.
The exercise simulated a massive 8.0 earthquake in the Los Angeles basin area. If such an earthquake were to hit massive numbers of people would be expected to evacuate into Arizona. As such emergency professionals at the federal, state, county, municipal levels and other NGOs studied many aspects of managing such a mass migration of people. In addition they tested many communication and collaboration tools necessary to assist the millions of people who might displaced when such a scenario becomes reality.
HELP Emergency Medical Technicians connected via telemedicine link to physicians around Arizona simulating the types of emergency medical scenarios present in disasters. These included connecting to OBDr. Cynthia Booth in Northern Arizona and Neonatal Specialist Dr. James Zozobrado at Chandler Regional Medical Center (central Arizona) who each assisted in a mock emergency delivery.
When HELPEMT Charles "Chuz" Shillingburg was told to take a break and lie down on the exam table because he was having a mock heart attack (another very real potential scenario in disasters) a quick connection to Cardiologist Dr. Gopi Cherukuri at Good Samaritan Hospital Phoenix was made. EMT Phyllis "Philly" Haddon reacted quickly hooking up the 12 lead EKG, pulse oximeter and blood pressure cuff to relay important vital sign information to the cardiologist.
Dr. Alan Michels (HELP's Medical Programs Advisor and President of Interactive Medical Solutions) played a lead roll in establishing telemedical connectivity to various hospital networks and physicians as well as providing oversight to the entire medical exercise. An expert team from Global Media also provided critical assistance in communications both at the Doc-in-a-Box as well as numerous location around Phoenix.
Global Media also provided the Telepathology Lab for use in the Doc-in-a-Box during this exercise. This offered HELP the capability to provide complete digital microscopy and macroscopy capabilities which can also be important tools in disasters.
The entire exercise was monitored at ASU's Decision Theater. "This ultra high tech tool is exactly what emergency managers need to not only maintain excellent situational awareness, but also to foster the communication and collaboration that is so tremendously vital to truly effective disaster management," Roberson said. (Click here to download ASU PDF of the event)
Tools offered for various Doc-in-a-Box configurations/applications.
- Ear, Nose & Throat Scopes
- Digital Stethoscope
- 12 lead EKG
- Pulse Oximeter
- Spirometer
- Retina Scan
- Physician Remote Controllable Cameras
- Satellite Communications
- Cellular Communications
- WiFi Communications
- Patient Database
- Patient Wristband Printer
- Disaster Management Database
- Digital Ultrasound
- Digital Xray
- IV Pump
- Heart Defibrillator
- Blood Glucose Sensor
- Basic Trauma / ER Supplies
- Neonatal Sensors
World Water & Solar Technologies provided a solar power plant (photo left) for the Doc-in-a-Box. While their unit provides a full 3kw of continuous power it can also pump and purifies over 30,000 gallons of water per day. With water purification being another of HELP's main focal areas, plans are to partner with WW&ST on not only solar power supplies for our clinics but also work together on larger water purification projects in Africa and beyond.
HELP has current requests for Doc-in-a-Box in Africa, India, the Philippines and Iraq. Ongoing discussions with other aid agencies, corporations and philanthropic interests are promising but costs are significant and - as such - WENEEDYOURHELP to bring this live-saving tool to people in areas of great need. Will YOU help US help THEM?
Turkey Earthquake: 45,000 dead, 150,000 injured and 3,000,000 homeless. HELP was there answering the cry for safe water. HELP President Randy Roberson partnered with Mentor and close friend Dr. Larry Ward (White House Ambassador to the Hungry World) for what would become Ward’s last disaster in over 40 years of humanitarian service.
Africa Hurricane Relief - Mozambique grass hut villages were decimated by a 30 foot tall wall of water. HELP brought medicine, doctors and fresh water systems via helicopter to remote villages.
El Salvador Earthquake - Medical and Water Purification Projects on the mainland and on remote islands as well. HELP also supplied mobile medical clinics and food distribution programs, bringing life saving relief to thousands.
Kosovo War Refugee Camp - Logistical oversight in a cooperative effort with other Governmental and Non-Governmental agencies to manage relief camp with 10,000 Kosovo refugees who fled across the Kosovo boarder into Albania.
Colombia Earthquake - From the highland jungles of Armenia Colombia to the Agua De Dios Leper Colony HELP was there. HELP organized mobile medical clinics, food distribution and disease control programs as well as much needed water purification projects.