Method for monitoring and managing emergencies in health care and industry

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for managing emergencies in the healthcare and industrial sectors, wherein said method is implemented by means of a hardware architecture comprising asset tags which can be associated with persons and objects, beacons configured to determine the position of said asset tags and at least one gateway for collecting the data transmitted by the beacons and sending said data to a monitoring platform, and wherein said method comprises at least the following steps: - Preparation of classifications of persons and objects on the basis of pre-established emergency intervention priority classes; - initialization of each asset tag according to the person or object with which it is associated and the priority class associated with that person or object; and - in the case of the activation of a state of emergency; - real-time tracking of persons and objects using the above-mentioned monitoring platform; and - Mapping the location of persons with an indication for each person of the priority level of the rescue operation based on the priority class indicated by the tag with which that person is associated.

Description

[0001] "METHOD FOR MONITORING AND MANAGING EMERGENCIES IN HEALTH CARE

[0002] AND INDUSTRY"

[0003] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The object of the present invention is a method for monitoring and managing emergencies in health care and industry.

[0005] In particular, the proposed system is ideally suited for implementation in a wide range of application contexts, including hospitals, clinics, industrial plants, research centres and other similar facilities .

[0006] The functionality of the present invention can be exploited to improve safety, efficiency and resource and rescue management in complex environments requiring dynamic interventions .

[0007] PRIOR ART

[0008] It is well known that in emergency conditions in large enclosed spaces, such as hospitals, clinics, residences for the elderly, industrial environments and so on, it can be difficult for security personnel or rescue operators to locate each person and get them out of the danger zone manually in time. Rescue operators must locate each trapped person and find the best possible route to reach them and get them out as quickly as possible . It is also difficult for a person to evacuate an enclosed space under emergency conditions without any guidance on the route to be followed to quickly exit the enclosed space .

[0009] Furthermore, in hospitals and homes for the elderly, many people may have medical conditions that prevent them from walking, thus exacerbating evacuation problems . US document US 2022 / 0345869 illustrates a system of dedicated Internet of Things (loT) devices that geolocate an incident, alert people in the vicinity, and progressively alert others up to emergency responders and services such as the US 911 number, so that immediate intervention and de-escalation is possible before further damage occurs . Such a system also provides a means to determine and share the locations of a possible moving attacker, those initially involved and those subsequently involved as the attack progresses . By locating the moving threat, it is possible to guide affected persons to safe locations .

[0010] However, this document does not take into account that some people may not be able to walk, nor does it teach how to create priorities of intervention .

[0011] Document US 2016 / 0189514 illustrates a system similar to the one of the previously described document that can also be applied to patients in hospitals . In some embodiments, it is possible to have a list of persons who are still in the facility affected by an emergency. For example, if the list of persons indicates that a certain person is still in the facility approximately 10 minutes after the start of the emergency, this information, as well as his or her location within the building, can be provided to emergency responders to facilitate the search for that person. As a further example, such a person could be a patient in a hospital wearing a tagging bracelet . These labelled devices provided to patients on admission can be used with the service provider' s server to ensure that all patients have been evacuated, indicating which patients have not yet been evacuated. Again, this does not take into account the fact that some people may not be able to walk.

[0012] The purpose of the present invention is therefore to provide rescue personnel with a detailed assessment of the needs of the people involved in order to facilitate a targeted intervention aimed at ensuring a safe and efficient evacuation.

[0013] A further aim of the present invention is to achieve the above results in a practical and economical manner.

[0014] BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The technical problems outlined above are solved by a method for monitoring and managing emergencies in health care and industry, wherein said method is implemented by means of a hardware architecture comprising asset tags that can be associated with persons and objects, beacons configured to determine the position of said asset tags, and at least one gateway for collecting data transmitted by said beacons and sending said data to a monitoring platform coirprising at least one server, and wherein said method comprises at least the following steps storage in the server of a data structure representative of a classification of persons and objects on the basis of pre-established priority intervention classes in the event of an emergency; association of each asset tag to persons or objects and association of the appropriate intervention priority classes to these persons or objects and storage of these associations in the server; and in the case of the activation of a state of emergency; real-time localization of persons and objects using the information contained in the server of the said monitoring platform; and mapping the location of persons with an indication for each person of the priority level of the rescue operation based on the priority class indicated by the asset tag with which that person is associated. The present invention thus effectively solves the problem of immediately organising the most relevant information in case of emergencies, enabling rescue personnel to intervene in a targeted manner, giving priority to people who are unable to move or cannot walk quickly or are generally not self-sufficient .

[0016] Further features of the invention can be deduced from the dependent claims .

[0017] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0018] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from reading the following description provided by way of example and not limitation, with the aid of the illustrations in the accompanying tables, wherein

[0019] - Figure 1 shows components of the system of the invention applied to persons or objects;

[0020] - Figure 2 shows a plan portion of a hospital in which the system is implemented according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0021] - Figure 3 shows further components of the system of the invention; and

[0022] - Figure 4 shows a block diagram of the method steps according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0023] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME FORMS OF EMBODIMENT OF THE PRESENT

[0024] INVENTION

[0025] With initial reference to Figure 1, components of the system of the invention applied to persons or objects are visible

[0026] The present invention utilises a system composed of asset tag 10, beacons 20 and gateways 30 for the realisation of a technological configuration or architecture capable of monitoring and localising objects or persons within a given environment, such as a building, industrial complex or hospital or other.

[0027] In particular, figure 1 shows a disabled person P with a certain degree of disability that forces him or her to use a wheelchair, a person P' with a certain degree of disability that forces him or her to use a walker, a person PN able to walk normally and an example of an OB object, where each of the elements (persons or objects) is associated with an asset tag 10.

[0028] These associations can be repeated for each person or object monitored. Figure 1 then illustrates the logic of applying the asset tags 10 to persons and objects, where each of the asset tags 10 is an electronic device attached to a person or obj ect to be monitored.

[0029] Preferably, asset tags 10 are equipped with RFID (Radio- Frequency Identification) or Bluetooth technology to communicate their location to a receiver or beacon 20.

[0030] Asset tags 10 are used to track the location, status and other relevant information of the objects or persons they are associated with. Figure 1 also shows schematically some beacons 20, i . e . devices that emit signals at regular intervals, which can be detected by mobile devices or specialised receivers such as asset tags 10.

[0031] In the case of the present invention, it is preferred to use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology to transmit signals that can be used to determine the position of asset tags 10 within a network.

[0032] The present invention also provides a mesh configuration of the network, in which the beacons 20 can communicate with each other and with other devices to create a dynamic network that covers large areas and is self-regenerating in the event of a node failure .

[0033] Figure 1 also shows a gateway 30, where, as is well known, gateways act as bridges between beacons 20 (and the tags they detect) and a server 40, possibly based on cloud technology.

[0034] The gateways 30 collect the data transmitted by the beacons 20, such as the location information of the asset tags 10, and send it to a central system for processing, for example the server 40. The latter may include asset management systems, security applications or whatever else may be needed to create a monitoring platform. Gateways 30 are typically connected to the Internet via Ethernet cable or, preferably in the present case, via Wi-Fi .

[0035] Figure 2 shows a plan portion of a hospital - globally indicated by the numerical reference 100 - in which the system is implemented according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0036] The application example within a hospital does not limit the invention to this example, but the invention can also be applied to other contexts such as, for example, residences for the elderly, clinics, industrial environments and others .

[0037] In the plan in figure 2 - in a manner entirely indicative and not limiting of the invention - a plurality of beacons 20 placed at appropriate points in the hospital layout are depicted.

[0038] As indicated above, the system of the invention is structured around three main components : asset tag 10, beacon 20 and gateway 30, which constitute an IPS (Internal Positioning System) .

[0039] The 10 asset tags, customisable in terms of shape and size, are delivered to individuals or placed on objects within the environment under consideration in order to facilitate their monitoring and location.

[0040] The beacon 20, exploiting a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) Mesh, creates a dynamic, self-organising and self-healing network allowing the transmission of precise location data related to the tags .

[0041] Gateways 30 act as access points to the network, transferring collected data to the cloud via a WiFi connection.

[0042] According to an embodiment of the invention, the system may comprise the implementation of a mobile application 55, to be operated via a smartphone 50 or an application to be operated via a desktop 60.

[0043] The application (mobile or desktop) allows authorised personnel to monitor the location and status of people and objects in critical or emergency situations within the hospital, distinguishing them according to customisable criteria.

[0044] For example, in figure 2, persons classified as PN, i . e . able to walk normally, and persons P, P' with different degrees of disability are visible .

[0045] In particular, each asset tag 10 can be associated with specific information that defines the properties of persons or objects with which each tag is associated.

[0046] The carefully placed sensors detect the movements and positions of the tag 10 assets within the environment, facilitating precise, real-time monitoring.

[0047] In ordinary circumstances, the system offers a number of advanced customisable features, such as real-time tracking of objects within the monitored area, individual emergency management (SOS) and the ability to configure customised scenarios according to the specific needs of the facility.

[0048] The focus is on monitoring elements of potential interest, resulting in optimisation of processes, resources, performance and parameters .

[0049] People tracking is disabled in ordinary mode and is automatically activated in emergency mode .

[0050] To ensure an effective response during emergency situations, the system adapts dynamically, switching from normal operation to an extraordinary state of monitoring.

[0051] An emergency can be a fire or an earthquake .

[0052] The monitored environment can be equipped with fire sensors and / or sensors that detect seismic shocks, and these sensors can be used to autonomously activate an emergency state of the system when predefined thresholds of the monitored parameters are exceeded. The system can also be placed in an emergency state by decision of an authorised operator.

[0053] During the latter, the system focuses exclusively on monitoring people and relevant objects during the emergency situation and potentially useful to rescue teams .

[0054] Thus, during the initialisation of asset tag 10, people are divided into different categories to ensure targeted and timely assistance according to specific needs .

[0055] A possible basic subdivision is as follows :

[0056] 1. Evacuation participants : Individuals actively involved in the evacuation process, including personnel trained through special training sessions .

[0057] 2 . Autonomous Persons : Individuals capable of autonomously evacuating following designated safe exit routes .

[0058] 3 . Persons with Special Needs : Individuals who require additional assistance during evacuation, such as individuals with cognitive and motor disabilities or limited mobility.

[0059] People with special needs can be further distinguished through an advanced classification of people with special needs in order to provide targeted and timely assistance .

[0060] This method is based on a detailed analysis of the medical condition of the individuals concerned in order to determine the most appropriate and effective type of assistance in the event of an emergency.

[0061] Examples of patient classification

[0062] Head injury patient; Patient with a fractured right or left lower limb;

[0063] Patient with complete paralysis;

[0064] Patient undergoing open-heart surgery;

[0065] Patient involved in a recent accident .

[0066] This advanced classification allows for an optimisation of assistance, ensuring that each individual receives the most appropriate treatment according to his or her specific medical condition.

[0067] Such a targeted approach can significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of rescue operations in emergency situations, while reducing the risk of complications and ensuring a high standard of healthcare .

[0068] Figure 4 shows a block diagram of the method steps according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0069] Figure 4 shows a phase of preparing classifications of people and objects on the basis of pre-established priority intervention classes in the event of an emergency (block 200) , a phase of initialisation of each asset tag according to the person or object with which it is associated and the priority class associated to said person or object (block 210) and in the case of the activation of an emergency state (block 220) , a real-time localisation phase of the persons and objects using said monitoring platform (block 230) and a phase of mapping the position of the persons with an indication for each person of the priority level of the emergency intervention based on the priority class indicated by the tag with which said person is associated (block 240) . The present invention has innumerable advantages and benefits :

[0070] 1. Safe and Efficient Evacuation: The system provides continuous and accurate monitoring of resources and individuals within the facility, enabling a timely and targeted response during emergency situations . It contributes to increasing the safety of all occupants through detailed monitoring of people during emergency situations, enabling a targeted and safe evacuation.

[0071] 2. Operational Efficiency: By accurately tracking resources (people and objects) , the system optimises the use of available resources, improving the overall operational efficiency of the facility and reducing response times .

[0072] 3. Reliability and Continuity: The combination of advanced technologies and a robust design guarantees reliable and continuous communication, ensuring the constant availability of critical information even in emergency situations .

[0073] 4. Precise Identification of Resources and Needs : Thanks to the identification of people and ob ects, the system provides a clear view of the situation within the facility, facilitating the coordination of rescue and facilitating evacuation by locating non- ambulatory persons and aids to their movement .

[0074] 5. Activation of the Emergency State: In the event of an emergency, the system enters a general state of danger, providing a more detailed picture of the situation and focusing attention on the type of individuals present in the facility and their location.

[0075] This allows immediate assistance to those who need it most and improves overall safety.

[0076] 6. SOS request : During normal operation, it is possible to make an SOS request in the event of an illness, an attack on personnel or any other scenario requiring emergency assistance, enabling the location of the specific tag from which the SOS was triggered and thus guaranteeing greater safety and readiness .

[0077] 7. Automatic alert activation in case of prolonged immobility: In the context of emergency situations, the system is equipped with an advanced mechanism for detecting prolonged immobility. Should the persons involved show no movement or evidence difficulty in changing rooms for an extended period of time, the system automatically activates an alert state . This feature is designed to ensure a rapid and targeted response in the event of a dangerous situation or need for immediate assistance. The activation of the alert automatically notifies the monitoring platform, allowing operators to intervene promptly to ensure the safety of the facility' s occupants .

[0078] Application scenarios :

[0079] The system of the invention is ideally suited for implementation in a wide range of contexts, including hospitals, clinics, industrial plants, research centres and other similar facilities . Its functionality can be exploited to improve safety, efficiency and resource and rescue management in complex environments requiring dynamic interventions .

[0080] In particular, the application scenario can be extended to rescue management during emergency situations . Currently, rescue teams are assisted during emergencies by a designated person within the facility staff, commonly known as a ' team leader ' / emergency coordinator.

[0081] The Emergency Coordinator assumes a central role, acting as the point of reference for all information and communication regarding emergency situations . Formally, he or she is the only person authorised to decide when to declare a state of emergency (e . g. fire, earthquake, etc. ) and to coordinate the actions foreseen by the emergency plan or to request the intervention of external teams such as the Fire Brigade . Operationally, all staff members have the possibility of declaring a state of emergency from their smartphones, to guarantee prompt intervention in the event that the coordinator is unable to do so .

[0082] When the fire brigade arrives, the emergency coordinator passes command of operations to the responding officer, but remains the only official contact and works with them to resolve the emergency as quickly as possible . In addition, the emergency coordinator interfaces with the fire brigade, providing crucial information such as the type of combustible material involved and the possible causes of the incident . With the invention, the risk for personnel involved in emergency management is significantly reduced. When the rescue team arrives, the emergency coordinator provides the rescue team with in-house mobile devices via a Mobile Device Management (MEM) system. These devices allow members of the rescue team to find their way around the facility even if they are unfamiliar with the environment, as they have access to the location of the device in their possession, the location of the devices owned by the people to be evacuated, and the mapping of the building with the division by floors and the positioning of stairs and emergency exits .

[0083] This allows rescuers to assess the quickest escape route based also on the position of other devices, greatly improving the effectiveness and timeliness of evacuation operations during emergency situations .

[0084] The integrated monitoring and security system described represents a major step forward in emergency management and security in healthcare and industrial facilities . With its advanced functionality and robust design, the system offers a comprehensive and reliable solution for monitoring and asset management, helping to protect people in critical situations by optimising the use of company resources .

[0085] Obviously, modifications or improvements may be made to the invention as described for contingent or particular reasons, without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed below.

Claims

CIAIMS1. A method for monitoring and managing emergencies in health care and industry, wherein said method is implemented by means of a hardware architecture comprising asset tags that can be associated with persons and objects, beacons configured to determine the position of said asset tags, and at least one gateway for collecting data transmitted by said beacons and sending said data to a monitoring platform comprising at least one server, and wherein said method comprises at least the following steps- storage in the server of a data structure representative of a classification of persons and objects on the basis of pre- established priority intervention classes in the event of an emergency;- association of each asset tag to persons or objects and association of the appropriate intervention priority classes to these persons or objects and storage of these associations in the server; and- in the case of the activation of a state of emergency;- real-time localization of persons and objects using the information contained in the server of the said monitoring platform; and- mapping the location of persons with an indication for each person of the priority level of the rescue operation based on the priority class indicated by the asset tag with which that person is associated.

2. Method as in claim 1, wherein the step of mapping the location of persons with an indication for each person of the priority level of the rescue intervention can be carried out by means of a mobile application, manageable via a smartphone or by an application manageable via a desktop.

3. Method as in claim 1, in which the activation of the state of emergency can occur autonomously upon exceeding predetermined thresholds of the parameters monitored by fire sensors and / or sensors detecting seismic tremors .

4. Method as in claim 1, in which the priority classes for rescue intervention are divided according to evacuation participants, autonomous persons, and persons with special needs .

5. Method as in claim 4, in which the priority classes of intervention concerning persons with special needs are further subdivided according to : head injury patient, patient with a fractured right or left lower limb, patient with complete paralysis, patient undergoing open-heart surgery, patient involved in a recent accident or other.

6. Method as in claim 1, in which the emergency state can be activated individually in the event of illness, assault on personnel or any other scenario requiring emergency assistance, enabling the location of the specific tag from which the emergency state was activated and thus ensuring greater safety and readiness .

7. Method as in claim 1, in which the state of emergency can be triggered individually in the event of prolonged immobility, or if thepersons involved do not show any movement or show difficulty in changing rooms for a predetermined extended period of time .

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