Ultrasound on the Rescue Boat
Every year, the picturesque Great Masurian Lakes in northeastern Poland attract a large number of visitors. However, during the peak season, the high number of drownings and injuries, with over 80 occurring each day, highlights the urgent requirement for dedicated and prompt pre-hospital rescue and care. The team of paramedics from the National Medical Rescue System is stationed at the site around the clock, readily available to assist those in critical need of emergency medical attention. Due to the challenging weather conditions and lack of transport means, the team frequently encounters difficulties regarding the accessibility of medical devices, which can pose a threat to patients' safety.
The introduction of the wireless handheld ultrasound system TE Air has revolutionized the expert teams' ability to deliver seamless and all-encompassing emergency medical aid anywhere, anytime, bringing more efficient and more effective diagnosis to ensure in-hospital care moves smoothly.
When Seconds Count
The land of the Great Masurian Lakes, a picturesque region in northeastern Poland, is renowned for its unique natural beauty comprising hundreds of lakes, forests, and charming villages. However, any lakes are deep and exhibit variable weather conditions, posing challenges like drowning, boating accidents, and other emergencies requiring effective support from rescue services.
The Polish emergency medical services system is based on paramedics. Unlike some other countries, paramedics in Poland possess a broad range of competencies and are able to independently carry out various medical rescue activities. Certified by the Polish Ultrasound Society, these paramedics are capable of conducting ultrasound scans in emergency situations. All ambulances, including water ambulances, are ALS-standard ambulances.
On a single day, during challenging weather, each rescuer intervened an average of 20 times, saving about 80 people. The wide range of incidents such as man overboard, searching for a swimmer or capsizing sailboats are signals that rescuers must be ready. In these scenarios, it is crucial to have medical equipment that can effectively and efficiently support rescuers in their day-to-day challenges. This equipment should be easily accessible, user-friendly, and waterproof, guaranteeing preparedness in any situation, regardless of location or time.
Lukasz Rozbicki
Paramedic, Coordinator of Emergency Medical Teams of Bartoszyce Country Hospital
We encounter patients in various conditions when we're dispatched to an incident, spanning from seemingly minor to extremely critical. The necessary medical equipment includes defibrillator, ventilator, chest compression device, as well as comprehensive advanced resuscitation gear, backpacks, bags.
Redefining Rescue in Extreme Conditions
The environment and weather conditions in which medical assistance and diagnostics are carried out follow entirely different protocols compared to those in a hospital setting. Medical aid is delivered in various, often adverse weather conditions, which can be incredibly intense. Additionally, the areas where aid is provided are rugged and pose significant accessibility challenges.
The utilization of a wireless device is particularly advantageous for conducting examinations directly at the patient's location - given lack of proper transportation, early ultrasound examination can provide quick overall assessment of the patient's condition prior to referral to emergency services. The ultrasound diagnosis plays a vital role in determining the most suitable destination centre, such as a haemodynamic unit or one equipped with an intensive cardiology unit. This significantly enhances treatment efficiency and ensures greater patient safety.
This year, the rescue team had the chance to utilize a state-of-the-art tool, the Mindray TE Air Wireless handheld ultrasound system, for the operation under challenging outdoor conditions on the water ambulance boat.
The Mindray TE Air wireless handheld ultrasound system, with its IP68 waterproof standard, meets the requirements for emergency settings under various extreme conditions:
- Water-proof, pocket sized feature is an unquestionable advantage, allowing it to be easily stowed in a backpack or pocket, making it readily accessible anywhere, anytime;
- Seamless connectivity to available smartphones/tablets and a lightweight yet rugged design makes it easy to work in out-of-hospital settings;
- Dedicated examination presets and comprehensive imaging modes have made it an ideal partner in rescue operations. Its ability to generate high-quality projections significantly contributes to accurate diagnoses and enhanced operational efficiency.
Grzegorz Niemczyk
Paramedic, Sono Criticare SWIT
Univeristy Hospital of Cracow,
Crakow Emergency Medical Service
Point-of-care ultrasound has revolutionized our ability to examine patients at a much more in-depth level compared to the imaging equipment available in pre-hospital or ambulance settings. TE Air is particularly advantageous as it is waterproof, eliminating concerns about usage in challenging conditions, and wireless, alleviating any concerns about cables hindering our examination of the patient, because it is easier for us to perform manoeuvres on the patient's body.
Empowering Pre-hospital Care with Cutting-edge Technologies
Medical Rescue Teams play a vital role in ensuring safety, contributing to effective medical assistance in emergency situations and saving the lives of individuals in peril. Wireless ultrasound technology greatly enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of emergency medical care. Its innovative features and exceptional image quality promise to revolutionize the field of medical diagnostics in extreme conditions.
At Mindray, we continue to support the development of cutting-edge medical solutions that help improve the quality of healthcare and increase the efficiency of rescue operations. The cooperation with the Water Rescue Teams is an excellent example of the synergy between advanced technology and the real need for medical services.
Grzegorz Niemczyk
Paramedic, Sono Criticare SWIT
Univeristy Hospital of Cracow,
Crakow Emergency Medical Service
With the advanced imaging applications such as PW Doppler and parametric measurements, the device gains significant effectiveness in both abdominal and cardiac imaging. We have elevated the level of patient diagnosis to unprecedented heights, surpassing what was previously attainable in pre-hospital care.
Now that the summer season showcasing the splendor of the Great Masurian Lakes region has drawn to a close, tranquility and serenity grace the lakes. Nevertheless, as the next summer approaches, the rescue team will once again assemble to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals in need.
