New ambulance video system to improve emergency care

A new live video system in Dutch ambulances will soon allow doctors to view emergency care in real time as patients are transported to the hospital. Starting in January, ambulances equipped with this technology, part of the Spoedzorg Connect project, will begin operating in Hoofddorp, Amsterdam, and Purmerend.

This innovation allows ambulance teams to stream live footage to hospital emergency departments, enabling doctors to see patient conditions and prepare for immediate treatment upon arrival. Lotte Terwindt, a cardio-anesthesiologist at Amsterdam UMC and the project’s lead, said the new system reduces communication errors and speeds up care.

Medical complications are often caused by communication breakdowns, especially in high-pressure emergency situations. Currently, patient information passes through several people before reaching the hospital. Terwindt noted that with the new video system, this is reduced to just one handoff, improving the chances of fast and effective care.

While the video link will be a valuable tool, ambulance teams will have control over when it is used. If the video system becomes distracting during a critical moment, paramedics can turn off the camera or sound. The video feed will only be activated during urgent situations, such as resuscitations.

Privacy concerns have been addressed as well. Terwindt explained that the patients are often unconscious and unable to give consent to being filmed. However, she emphasized that the footage will not be recorded or stored, and the system has been legally vetted. The team also has protocols in place to adjust the project if any privacy issues arise during the pilot phase.

Future of emergency care

With the healthcare sector facing challenges like staff shortages, emergency room closures, and an aging population, Terwindt believes that this video technology can help safeguard the future of emergency care. "This project could be essential for keeping emergency services running efficiently," she said.

The project could eventually be expanded to include additional technology, such as ultrasound or triage equipment, allowing paramedics to assess patients more thoroughly in the field and direct them to the most appropriate hospital.