This project grew out of an HCI Studio class in which we were tasked to analyze a system and develop a better functioning design. For our project my group decided to analyze the data and information flow within emergency medical services. With many agencies across the country switching to ePCRs there now existed ways in which data could be much more easily shared within the EMS structure.
Our group researched the current EMS system and how it functioned and looked for ways in which to improve data capture and sharing. As part of our research we observed and interviewed multiple EMS workers with agencies in the capital district region. After our research we then designed a conceptual model and a very basic (PowerPoint) prototype to showcase our findings.
Ultimately we discovered that as communication technology continues to grow rapidly there exists the potential to greatly improve communications within the EMS structure. By improving critical data flow, information can not only be sent quickly to hospitals prior to patient arrival but hospitals can also communicate better with providers in the field providing input and advice. By giving doctors in the ER, dispatchers, and EMS providers better access to critical information, patient care and outcome could be vastly improved.