Telehealth Connects Rural EMS Providers with Physicians
The University of Arizona Health Sciences and Banner – University Medical Center Tucson recently launched a pilot project using advanced telehealth technology to enhance rural health care. The goal is to improve patient outcomes by connecting rural emergency medical services (EMS) responders to Tucson emergency medicine physicians for potentially lifesaving consultations.
The Arizona Rural EMS Advanced Telemedicine Demonstration Initiative (AzREADI) is funded by a Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) grant awarded to the UArizona Center for Rural Health at the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health.
Through AzREADI, rural EMS responders have 24/7 access to real-time consultations with board-certified EMS physicians, thanks to improvements in wireless broadband capabilities.
“EMS vehicles are being equipped with broadband cellular connection and high-speed internet access to the Banner – University Medical Center Tucson Emergency Department, making it much easier for an emergency department physician to immediately access the information, make a diagnosis, recommend a transfer or prepare the medical equipment necessary to treat the patient upon arrival,” said Joshua Gaither, MD, associate professor and EMS Fellowship director in the College of Medicine – Tucson’s Department of Emergency Medicine.
The Rio Rico Fire and Medical District, serving the rural area just north of the Arizona-Mexico border, and the Sonoita-Elgin Fire District, serving rural communities between Tucson and Sierra Vista, are the two partner EMS agencies participating in the AZ READI pilot program.
Rio Rico emergency medical technicians Luis Saenz and Nick Weber approach an accident scene to tend to a patient with an ankle injury. (Note: This was a simulated accident scene for demonstration purposes.)
Rio Rico emergency medical technicians set up field equipment to assist rancher Leon Keller with his injury. (Note: This was a simulated accident scene for demonstration purposes.)
Weber and Saenz talk to the patient to prepare him for examination. (Note: This was a simulated accident scene for demonstration purposes.)
Weber removes the patient’s shoe to assess the injury while Saenz offers support. (Note: This was a simulated accident scene for demonstration purposes.)
Saenz examines Keller’s foot while Weber uses the AzREADI telehealth technology to contact an emergency medicine physician. (Note: This was a simulated accident scene for demonstration purposes.)
Tucson emergency department physician Dr. Joshua Gaither consults with Weber and Saez about treatment options using the AzREADI telehealth technology. (Note: This was a simulated accident scene for demonstration purposes.)
Saenz supports the patient’s ankle while Dr. Gaither conducts a virtual examination of the injury. (Note: This was a simulated accident scene for demonstration purposes.)
Weber and Saenz help Keller to his feet while Dr. Gaither watches through the telehealth portal. (Note: This was a simulated accident scene for demonstration purposes.)
Weber and Saenz help Keller stand up while Dr. Gaither continues to watch through the telehealth portal. (Note: This was a simulated accident scene for demonstration purposes.)
Weber and Saenz help Keller walk to the ambulance. (Note: This was a simulated accident scene for demonstration purposes.)
Following a telehealth consultation with Dr. Gaither, Weber helps Keller put his shoe on. (Note: This was a simulated accident scene for demonstration purposes.)
Emergency medicine physician Joshua B. Gaither, MD, is leading the AZ READI pilot project, which was funded by a three-year, $750,000 supplement to the UArizona Center for Rural Health at the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health’s Health Resources and Services Administration Rural Hospital Flexibility Program grant.
From his work location in Tucson, Arizona, Dr. Gaither can consult with a rural emergency medical technician using the AZ READI telehealth platform.
Giving rural EMS responders real-time access to emergency department doctors such as Dr. Gaither may result in better patient triaging, advanced onsite care and referrals to facilities that could best meet the patient’s needs.