Smartphone cameras helping to treat ambulance patients in Cornwall
It means clinicians can reach patients virtually within seconds
Smart phone cameras are helping to treat people virtually within seconds in Cornwall.
The new service from South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust is asking 999 callers to use their phone cameras to help assess their injuries and illnesses.
With their permission the caller is sent a text message asking them to click and accept a link to send a live stream from their camera phone to the clinician.
The clinicians in the control room will then be able to see what's going on and decide quickly on the best treatment required.
In some cases it can also help identify patients who don’t need an emergency ambulance.
It follows a successful trial by SWASFT in May last year that observed the benefit for its response to numerous emergency incidents.
Incidents ranged from patients who simply needing advice to manage their illness or injury at home to those who could be observed while an ambulance was on its way.
Rhys Hancock, SWASFT Acting Deputy Head of Quality and Senior Clinical Lead for Clinical Technology, said: “The GoodSAM video technology is making a really positive difference to our patient care across the South West.
“Our clinicians can assess the patient’s condition more effectively, provide clinical advice based on what they see and hear, and support the patient until the ambulance teams arrive on scene if they are required.
“This is helping us to provide the right care to our patients, in the right place, and at the right time. It is also reassuring our callers that the best is being done for the patient.
“Most importantly it is helping to ensure precious resources, such as ambulances and air ambulances, are sent to those most in need, and ultimately helping us to save lives.”