AR
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US-based Hippo Technologies Inc. has developed hands-free, voice-activated, wearable headsets with the aim of allowing remote healthcare workers consult paramedics on complex cases ahead of their arrival in an emergency room. First responders are hailing the new ‘eye of the paramedic’ reality headset to enhance the efforts of the healthcare sector.
The headsets were put on display at the Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services (DCAS) kiosk at the Dubai Health Forum, which began on March 2.
Speaking about the technology, Hippo’s CEO and co-founder Dr Patrick Quinlan said that the devices can support delivery of expert care on the ground by supporting EMTs and First Responders during the critical ‘Golden Hour’.
On Wednesday, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, reviewed the new technology during his tour of the Forum.
Developers explained that the technology allows ambulance paramedics to send audio and video with relevant information about the patients from the site directly to doctors in hospitals for initial preparation of their treatment.
Shamma Abdullah bin Hammad, director of Medical Affairs at Dubai Ambulance, also briefed Sheikh Hamdan on the intelligent reader technology used by DCAS to identify patients. As per a statement issued by the Dubai Media Office, the Crown Prince also took a review of the smartboard at the Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, which monitors the movement of ambulances in Dubai.
DCAS officials further stated that headsets were jointly introduced by the Alleanza Group and Hippo Technologies Inc. in Dubai. During his tour of the Dubai Health Forum, Sheikh Hamdan named the technology ‘eye of the paramedic’.
The Hippo Virtual Care (HVC) solution is aimed at enhancing the delivery of emergency care in the UAE in collaboration with DCAS.
Dr Maryam Al Mansoori, an emergency medicine specialist at DCAS, noted that the technology is yet to be implemented in ambulances in the UAE. However, plans are underway to test the devices and connect them with the Rashid Hospital’s Trauma Care Centre.
“By simultaneously connecting the physician specialist, emergency room team and first responders in the field with a ‘you are there’ immersive experience, the headsets enable advanced clinical collaboration to deliver the right diagnosis and treatment the first time, every time at the scene, during transit, and in the emergency room," Dr Quinlan added.
The device operates by using Hippo’s hands-free, voice-activated, wearable headsets at the point of care to deliver a ‘through the eyes of the clinician’ perspective. It allows first responders, trauma or remote healthcare workers to send live stream of the patients from the remote location or home to specialist colleagues back in the hospital or clinic for real-time consultation on complex cases.
Eddie Henaine, CEO of Alleanza Group-MENA, expressed excitement in bringing the new innovative technology to the region to enhance the healthcare offering and capability in line with the best standards.
SOURCE: Khaleej Times