The Technological Revolution

     There's no question that over the last decade technology has completely transformed our lives. From the office to our homes, we are connected 24/7 to colleagues, family and friends by cell phones, PDAs and e-mail. At a moment's notice, we can access information from around the world via the Internet, literally seeing the news break before our very eyes. Through the widespread use of technology, we have become accustomed to being able to obtain facts and figures at the drop of a hat and to transmit our own personal experiences for the whole world to see. There has never been a time in history when human beings have so dramatically changed how we communicate with each other.

     So what does this mean for the EMS industry? While robots have yet to replace medics, technology is making its way into the backs of ambulances and transforming how care is delivered in the prehospital arena.

     In this month's issue, we highlight agencies that have embraced the technological revolution and are delivering superior patient care as a result (see EMS Magazine's Communications Resource Guide starting on p. 61).

     In Dreaming Up an Interactive Ambulance, Associate Editor John Erich profiles the work of folks in Texas to create an "interactive" ambulance that can better connect medics in the field with the ED docs. These ambulances come equipped with digital video cameras, GPS navigation, ruggedized laptops and barcode scanners.

     In Tucson, AZ, a pilot program is currently in operation: ER Link transmits live streaming video from the field to local hospitals, with video cameras on both the outside and inside of the ambulance.

     In Vermont, Fletcher Allen Health Care is working on a project to determine if medics who are assisted by telemed docs perform better than medics working alone in the field.

     When I first started working at EMS Magazine in 1995, digital printing seemed a long way off and my main mode of communication with contributors was the trusty letter. Now, each issue of this magazine is produced by a team of writers and production personnel working thousands of miles apart and I couldn't even tell you where to find the company letterhead in my office! Times they are a-changing--don't be left behind!