South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SCAS) is launching a ground-breaking digital product – GoodSAM’sInstant On Scene – to enable the public to stream video directly from their smartphones into the SCAS 999 Clinical Coordination Centres(CCC). The system is set to revolutionise triage for the Ambulance Service, ensuring medics can now see what the patient sees in just a few seconds. It will enable SCAS’s 999 CCC staff to send a text or email message to a caller containing a link which, when clicked on, enables video to be streamed live from the caller’s smartphone directly into the CCC.
There’s nothing to download and no logins, the system works on any smartphone and on any network; its use is entirely voluntary. All data is securely transmitted with end-to-end encryption and no video is recorded, so members of the public can be absolutely confident that their information is safe.
The 999 call continues while the video is streaming. Instant on Scene will help ensure patients are quickly assessed and given effective medical advice. It will support SCAS in better understanding the level of care or resources which may be required to deliver the best patient outcomes.
Luci Stephens, Director of Operations (CCC) said: “This marks the start of an exciting new chapter in patient care by SCAS. We have previously been able to resolve patients’ healthcare issues, either by the dispatch of an emergency ambulance, by referring them to other areas of the NHS to receive ongoing care or by advising them over the telephone how to manage their symptoms at home. Using GoodSAM’s Instant On Scene brings an additional visual layer to our well-practiced processes and procedures and this will help to ensure that our patients get the right care, in the right place and at the right time. Patient safety remains at the he art of everything we do, and video consultations will provide exceptional support in allowing us to achieve this goal”.
Ali Ghorbangoli, Technical Director and Co-Founder of GoodSAM said: “Developing a highly accessible and simple to use system is central to success. Our products are designed specifically for emergency situations – no apps, downloads or logins are required”. It is anticipated that the video solutions will translate into life-changing outcomes, enabling SCAS to respond more rapidly and appropriately. Instant On Scene will also support major incidents and enable emergency services to share video streams in real-time.
Medical Director and Co-Founder of GoodSAM, Professor Mark Wilson said: ‘In emergencies, time is vital in saving a person’s life or reducing long-term disability. Often Ambulance Services have limited information from bystanders about a patient’s, or multiple patients’, injuries to make decisions. Instantly being able to see the scene radically improves situational awareness. We are incredibly excited to be bringing this technology to SCAS, and we look forward to working with them in ensuring the GoodSAM system continues to save lives and further enhance patient care in the region’.
GoodSAM’s Instant On Scene is being rolled out as part of SCAS’s Global Digital Exemplar (GDE) programme. This initiative is supported by NHS Digital and is designed to leverage technology to improve patient outcomes and staff working practices.