Significant acceleration of emergency response using smartphone geolocation data and a worldwide emergency call support system

Abstract

ImportanceWhen patients are disorientated or experience language barriers, it is impossible to activate the emergency response system. In these cases, the delay for receiving appropriate help can extend to several hours.ObjectivesA worldwide emergency call support system (ECSS), including geolocation of modern smartphones (GPS, WLAN and LBS), was established referring to E911 and eCall systems. The system was tested for relevance in quickly forwarding abroad emergency calls to emergency medical services (EMS).DesignTo verify that geolocation data from smartphones are exact enough to be used for emergency cases, the accuracy of GPS (global positioning system), Wi-Fi (wireless LAN network) and LBS (location based system) was tested in eleven different countries and compared to actual location. The main objective was analyzed by simulation of emergencies in different countries. The time delay in receiving help in unsuccessful emergency call cases by using the worldwide emergency call support system (ECSS) was measured.ResultsGPS is the gold standard to locate patients with an average accuracy of 2.0 ± 3.3 m. Wi-Fi can be used within buildings with an accuracy of 7.0 ± 24.1 m. Using ECSS, the emergency call leads to a successful activation of EMS in 22.8 ± 10.8 min (Median 21 min). The use of a simple app with one button to touch did never cause any delay.Conclusions and relevanceThe worldwide emergency call support system (ECSS) significantly improves the emergency response in cases of disorientated patients or language barriers. Under circumstances without ECSS, help can be delayed by 2 or more hours and might have relevant lifesaving effects. This is the first time that Wi-Fi geolocation could prove to be a useful improvement in emergencies to enhance GPS, especially within or close to buildings.

Patient triage system for supporting the operation of dispatch centres and rescue teams

“…The IDC geolocation function indicates the patient’s condition, location and address, while the IDC management function enables emergency staff to sort cases based on receiving an emergency report. These two functions also support rapid emergency management similar to the current smart medical emergency system, especially the incorporation of geolocation services in the application [ 27 , 29 , 31 ].…”

“…Weinlich et al [ 27 ] applied the geolocation from a smartphone to enable the EMS to quickly respond to emergency calls. When testing the accuracy of the GPS, Wi-Fi (wireless LAN network) and LBS (location-based system) in eleven different countries, the combination of Wi-Fi geolocation and GPS was found to accurately identify emergency locations, especially within or close to buildings.…”

Development Framework of Emergency Call Application in Pregnant Women

“…It also better if the emergency button can send the pregnant location with GPS location. [34] So that, the rescue can arrive in location by GPS. It will be more accurate and reduce the respon time.…”

Penggunaan Smartphone Dalam Upaya Peningkatan Resusitasi Jantung Paru: Sebuah Systematic Review

“…Sistem ini kemudian disempurnakan dan di ujicoba dan didapatkan bahwa kelompok yang diberikan peringatan lebih banyak yang memberikan RJP (M Ringh et al, 2015). Sistem pendeteksi lokasi yang lebih maju kemudian digunakan untuk mengirim peringatan beserta lokasi Automated External Defibrilator (AED) (Berglund et al, 2018) serta menyesuaikan bahasa pemberi layanan kegawatdaruratan (Weinlich, Kurz, Blau, Walcher, & Piatek, 2018).…”