Integrating legacy medical data sensors in a wireless network infrastucture.

In the process of developing a wireless networking solution to provide effective field-deployable communications and telemetry support for rescuers during major natural disasters, we are faced with the task of interfacing the multitude of medical and other legacy data collection sensors to the network grid. In this paper, we detail a number of solutions, with particular attention given to the issue of data security. The chosen implementation allows for sensor control and management from remote network locations, while the sensors can wirelessly transmit their data to nearby network nodes securely, utilizing the latest commercially available cryptography solutions. Initial testing validates the design choices, while the network-enabled sensors are being integrated in the overall wireless network security framework.

A novel communications network for the provision of medical care in disaster and emergency situations.

We have designed and developed a novel data communications network targeted at the provision of Emergency Medical Care in disaster situations over wide areas. The network nodes can transmit essential biosignals and in addition, support video and diagnostic quality sound (auscultation) broadcasting for teleconsultation purposes, by using a variety of wireless transports. The medical data acquisition stations are networked dynamically and on demand, with no requirement for an existing communications infrastructure at the disaster sites. The network design allows for limited transmitting station mobility and support for software-based Voice over IP during station roaming. Initial test results, following the hardware and software integration, indicate that the chosen network design meets specifications, and a full-scale field test, utilizing a large number of wireless stations operating under realistic conditions is to take place.

A novel emergency telemedicine system based on wireless communication technology--AMBULANCE.

Recent studies conclude that early and specialized prehospital management contributes to emergency case survival. We have developed a portable medical device that allows telediagnosis, long distance support, and teleconsultation of mobile healthcare providers by expert physicians. The device allows the transmission of vital biosignals and still images of the patient from the emergency site to the consultation site using the GSM mobile telephony network. The device can telematically "bring" an expert specialist doctor at the site of the medical emergency, allow him/her to evaluate patient data, and issue directions to the emergency personnel on treatment procedures until the patient is brought to be hospital. Legal reasons mandated the inclusion at the consultation site of a multimedia database able to store and manage the data collected by the system. The performance of the system has been validated in four different countries using a controlled medical protocol and a set of 100 patients per country treated has been collected and analyzed.

An augmented reality system for health care provision via telematics support.

We are developing a prototype portable health care support device for Emergency Telemedicine. This device can telematically "bring" a specialist doctor at the site of a medical emergency, allow him to evaluate patient data and issue directions to the emergency personnel on treatment procedures until the patient is brought to hospital. The portable device is carried by a paramedic technician in "wearable" form, allowing the technician to perform his normal duties while communicating with the specialist at the hospital site. This augmented reality system allows for maximum utilisation of available resources and offers a complete, practical solution for increasing survival rates before and during the transportation of accident victims to hospital.