New tablet-based technology provides wireless transmission of ultrasound images from an ambulance, allowing more rapid, informed treatment of critical trauma patients.

Samsung Electronics America, Inc. (Ridgefield Park, NJ, USA), a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. (Tokyo, Japan), reported on the early findings of an innovative trial evaluating the use of tablet-based ultrasound in emergency services vehicles. A total of six emergency services vehicles at Bedford, Hurst, and DFW Airport fire departments in the Dallas-Fort Worth (TX, USA) metropolitan area have been equipped with Samsung’s PT60A ultrasound as part of an ongoing trial.

Since the trial began July 1, 2014, ultrasound has been employed in 91 callouts to support diagnosis in patients involving trauma, acute abdominal pain, internal bleeding, and cardiac arrest. In instances where a specialist opinion is needed, ultrasound images are transmitted wirelessly from the PT60A to clinicians at John Peter Smith (JPS) Hospital Health Network (Fort Worth, TX, USA) through Trice Imaging’s (Stratford, CT, USA) mobile encryption and image management system. The system also allows physicians to collaborate in real time to prep for the patient’s arrival at the emergency room (ER).

Major findings from the phase-one trial found (1) in several instances, the transmission of ultrasound images has enabled medics and/or physicians at the hospital to accurately identify internal bleeding/fluids, resulting in faster treatment upon the patients’ arrival at the ER. Early diagnosis has also enabled the hospital to ensure relevant specialists are on hand upon the patient’s arrival. (2) Medics at DFW Airport’s fire department have utilized ultrasound on cardiac patients presenting no pulse. While the existing protocol has been to contact their medical director to determine whether to stop resuscitation efforts, in several instances, ultrasound has identified heart movement and medics have continued treatment, resulting in return of spontaneous circulation and eventual patient discharge. (3) Lastly, more than 50 emergency personnel have been effectively trained on the use of Samsung’s PT60A ultrasound system, receiving certification from the chief of trauma. In the field, medics have been able to quickly access the tablet-based ultrasound to perform scans while the patient is in transit. Wireless image transmission to the medical director has taken as little as 30 seconds.

“This trial has demonstrated the significant potential for expanded use of point-of-care ultrasound by emergency services medics,” said Dr. Roy Yamada, EMS medical director for the Dallas/Fort Worth area. “By transmitting images from the Samsung PT60A in the ambulance to specialists at the hospital in real time, we are able to make critical decisions that can save precious minutes and have a tangible impact on outcomes for trauma and cardiac patients.”

The Samsung PT60A, Samsung’s first tablet-based ultrasound system, is designed specifically for point-of-care (POC) applications. Using the one-touch measurement tools of the ultra-portable and compact device, exam findings are delivered with streamlined efficiency. The system’s auto intima-media thickness (IMT), and fast diagnosis report can help providers make critical decisions and enable timely treatment for the patient.

“Time to the operating theater is critical in determining the survival of trauma patients,” added Dr. Raj Gandhi, trauma medical director, John Peter Smith Hospital. “By receiving ultrasound images from the emergency services personnel while the patient is en route, I can make a more accurate determination if surgery is required and have the patient transported directly to the operating room. This trial points to a significant opportunity to improve our emergency services protocols that has the potential to save many lives.”

Doug Ryan, group vice president, health and medical equipment, commented, “Samsung has made a long-term commitment to leveraging its technology to bring new innovations to healthcare. The Samsung PT60A was developed to provide quick, accurate diagnosis at the point-of-care and it is exciting to see its lifesaving potential demonstrated through this groundbreaking emergency services trial together with Trice Imaging.”

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Samsung Electronics America
Trice Imaging