First responder alert system and method for optimising the alerting and dispatching of first responders in emergencies

Abstract

The invention relates to an app-based first responder alert system and to a method for optimising the alerting and dispatching of first responders in emergencies, in particular for cardiac arrests. The system and the method, respectively, coordinate registered first responders depending on predicted arrival times of the first responders at the emergency location, wherein location data and transport data are used to determine or anticipate the arrival times on the basis of individual travel times of the first responders. The first responders are assigned specific emergency tasks in a targeted manner by the first responder alert system. The time until the beginning of life-saving measures is thus significantly shortened, which increases the chances of survival and increases the efficiency of the emergency aid.

Description

[0001] First responder alert system and procedures for optimizing the alerting and dispatch of first responders in emergencies

[0002] The invention relates to an app-based first responder alerting system and a method for optimizing the alerting and dispatch of first responders in emergencies, particularly in cases of sudden cardiac arrest. It aims to ensure rapid and effective resuscitation through the targeted assignment of emergency tasks.

[0003] Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the most common causes of death in industrialized nations. Survival without permanent damage is only likely if resuscitation measures, i.e., chest compressions and rescue breaths, are started within three to five minutes. In approximately 25% of cases, a cardiac arrhythmia, such as ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia, is also present. Such arrhythmias can be treated by defibrillation. With every minute of delay before defibrillation, the patient's chances of survival decrease, which is why international guidelines recommend that defibrillation be performed as quickly as possible and even before the arrival of emergency medical services.

[0004] A rapid response to medical emergencies such as cardiac arrest is crucial for the survival chances of those affected. First responder alert systems make a significant contribution by using digital applications, so-called first responder apps, to alert volunteer first responders and guide them directly to the emergency location. Every reduction in the first responder's arrival time and every reduction in the time until the arrival of an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) increases the patient's chances of survival.

[0005] Since 2021, international resuscitation guidelines have recommended that, upon receiving an emergency call reporting a suspected cardiac arrest, the emergency dispatch center should locate and alert volunteer first responders via a smartphone-based first responder app. These alerted first responders should then arrive as quickly as possible.

[0006] KAUFMANN ® Patent and Trademark Attorneys K 43 292 / 8.6 01.10.2025 to be directed to the emergency location and bridge the time until the arrival of the rescue service.

[0007] Well-known app-based first responder alert systems use GPS location to alert first responders near an emergency scene. They primarily rely on the spatial distance to the emergency location to notify volunteer first responders.

[0008] Some first responder alerting systems are also linked to databases that list the locations of publicly accessible defibrillators (AEDs). Linking to such AED location databases or registries allows first responders to view public AED locations so they can retrieve an AED on their way to the emergency. In some systems, multiple first responders are tasked with retrieving an AED; the system alerts first responders based on their straight-line distance to the nearest AED or the emergency location – see, for example, Stieglis, R., et al., “Alert system-supported lay defibrillation and basic life-support for cardiac arrest at home”, European Heart Journal 43, 1465-1474 (2022). Other systems, known, for example, from Auricchio, A., et al., “Real-life time and distance covered by lay first responders alerted by means of smartphone-application: Implications for early initiation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and access to automatic external defibrillators”, Resuscitation 141 , 182- 187 (2019), show alerted first responders AED locations in the vicinity of their location or on the way to the emergency site via the corresponding app and allow the first responders to decide whether to go directly to the emergency site or pick up an AED.

[0009] Furthermore, it is known from Auricchio, A., et al., “Real-life time and distance covered by lay first responders alerted by means of smartphone-application: Implications for early initiation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and access to automatic external defibrillators”, Resuscitation 141, 182-187 (2019) and Berglund, E., et al., “Are first responders first? The rally to the suspected out-of-hospital cardiac arrest”, Resuscitation 180, 70-77 (2022) that first responders who pick up an AED on the way to the emergency scene take between two and ten minutes longer to arrive at the emergency scene than if they went directly to the emergency scene.

[0010] KAUFMANN ® Patent and Trademark Attorneys K 43 292 / 8.6 01.10.2025 First responder alerting systems that check the locations of registered first responders via an app typically alert first responders whose straight-line distance to the emergency location is less than a specified value. In the USA, a system called PulsePoint TMAn app is used that alerts first responders within a quarter-mile radius (as the crow flies) of the emergency site – see also Blackwood, J., et al., “Improving response to out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: The verified responder program pilot”, Resuscitation 154, 1-6 (2020). This serves to alert first responders who are highly likely to arrive at the scene within minutes, and thus significantly before the ambulance service. The “Heartrunner” first responder system in Sweden used an alerting algorithm that, upon activation, locates registered first responders via the app and initially alerts first responders within a 240-meter radius of the emergency site, then progressively alerts first responders up to a 2400-meter radius until 10 first responders have been located and alerted – see Berglund, E., et al., “A smartphone application for dispatch of lay responders to out-of-hospital cardiac arrests”, Resuscitation 126, 160-165 (2018)). Later, a new strategy was developed within the same system: up to 30 first responders within a radius of up to 1.3 kilometers are alerted, apparently with the aim of alerting the first responder with the shortest response time to the patient. However, the system was limited to the hours between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. to avoid frequent nighttime call-outs where first responders arrive too late or only arrive when several first responders are already at the patient's side, thus rendering their intervention unnecessary – see, for example, Berglund, E., et al., “Are first responders first? The rally to the suspected out-of-hospital cardiac arrest”, Resuscitation 180, 70-77 (2022).

[0011] The first responder alerting system "Region of Lifesavers," described in Ganter, J., et al., "Implementation process of a smartphone-based first responder alerting system," Notfall+Rettungsmedizin 25, 177-185 (2022), originally used a first responder app connected to an alarm server (backend). The system is also linked to an AED location database. The first responder alerting process follows an algorithm designed to minimize the time from the initial alert to the arrival of the first responder.

[0012] KAUFMANN ® Patent and Trademark Attorneys K 43 292 / 8.6 01.10.2025 The time spent at the scene of an emergency should be kept as short as possible. Furthermore, an AED should be available to the patient as quickly as possible.

[0013] The aforementioned first responder alert system assigns each alerted first responder an emergency task, such as "go to the patient and perform CPR" or "retrieve an AED." First responders located within a certain distance of the emergency location are alerted. The first two first responders to accept the request via the app are directed to the emergency location, and the third first responder is routed by the app to the nearest AED location. However, this system does not guarantee that the first responder who can reach the patient first will not be directed to the AED. Therefore, the arrival time of the first responder who can potentially reach the emergency location in the shortest time can be significantly increased by having to retrieve an AED.

[0014] When alerting volunteer first responders, only those who can arrive before the ambulance service should be dispatched to the patient. Similarly, the emergency task assigned to a first responder—retrieving an AED from a public AED location and bringing it to the emergency site—should only be assigned if none of the first responders carries a personal AED and if the journey to the AED location and then on to the emergency site can be completed in a time shorter than the estimated arrival time of the ambulance service.

[0015] In the first responder alerting system “Region of Lifesavers”, known from Ganter, J., et al., “Implementation process of a smartphone-based first responder alerting system”, Notfall+Rettungsmedizin 25, 177-185 (2022), the alerting process proceeds as follows:

[0016] The first responder alert system is initially activated by an emergency notification transmitting the emergency location and the estimated response time of the ambulance service from the dispatch center's control system to the first responder alert system's alarm server. The alarm server then locates the registered first responders via their mobile devices and the first responder apps running on them. A calculation is then performed for each first responder.

[0017] KAUFMANN ® Patent and Trademark Attorneys K 43 292 / 8.6 01.10.2025 Travel time from the first responder's current location at the time of the emergency call, the so-called alerting location, to the emergency site, assuming travel by passenger car. If this travel time is shorter than the travel time of the emergency vehicle alerted by the control center, i.e., the ambulance or emergency physician, the corresponding first responder is pre-alerted. This pre-alert is sent via the first responder app. The first responder indicates via the app whether they are available (i.e., accept the pre-alert) or unavailable (decline the pre-alert). After accepting the alert, the first responder indicates their mode of transport to the emergency site (e.g., on foot, by bicycle, or by car) and whether they are carrying an AED.The first responder alert system now calculates the travel time from the first responder's alert location to the emergency site using the means of transport specified by the first responder. If the first responder cannot reach the emergency site before the ambulance service, they will not be assigned an emergency task and will receive a notification of cancellation via the first responder app.

[0018] After a defined, configurable waiting period, for example 20 seconds, the first responder alert system calculates an individual travel time for all available first responders. This is the time from leaving their current location upon receiving the emergency notification (i.e., the alert location) to the emergency site, taking into account the chosen mode of transport. The two first responders with the shortest travel time are then directed to the emergency site to perform CPR, i.e., chest compressions and rescue breaths. These two first responders are thus assigned the emergency task "Go to the emergency site."

[0019] For each remaining first responder, a travel time calculation is performed based on the available AED locations to the emergency site. This calculation is omitted if one of the already deployed first responders is carrying an AED. If the shortest AED travel time calculated by the first responder alert system—that is, the first responder's travel time to the emergency site via the AED location—is shorter than the emergency medical service's response time, the AED will be displayed to the corresponding first responder in the first responder app. The selected first responder will then be directed first to the AED location and, after picking up the AED, to the emergency site.

[0020] KAUFMANN ® Patent and Trademark Attorneys K 43 292 / 8.6 01.10.2025 The first responder is therefore assigned the emergency task "Retrieve AED". If none of the alerted first responders is carrying an AED and, according to the alarm server's calculations, none of the other available first responders will reach the emergency location before the ambulance service, then the emergency task to retrieve a publicly available AED and transport it to the emergency location will not be assigned.

[0021] The first responder alert system can assign the emergency task of "guiding the ambulance service" to one of the pre-alerted first responders. This first responder then assists, for example, in ensuring that the ambulance service reaches the emergency location as quickly as possible.

[0022] Emergency tasks are regularly assigned based on travel time. However, this time represents only a portion of the total time elapsed from the initial alert, i.e., the emergency call, until arrival at the emergency location. This total time, from the receipt of the emergency call until the arrival of the first responder, referred to below as the arrival time, comprises a system-related response time (i.e., the time from the emergency call until the assignment of the emergency task), a dispatch time specific to each first responder (i.e., the time from the assignment of the emergency task until leaving the alert location), and the travel time specific to each first responder.

[0023] Once the emergency task has been assigned, many first responder alerting systems display the location and route to the alerted first responders. If the first responder alerting system is connected to an AED database, the task of "retrieving an AED" is often left to the first responder's discretion, or one group of first responders is assigned the task of retrieving an AED, while another group is assigned the task of going to the emergency location.

[0024] The arrival times of first responders alerted via the "Region of Lifesavers" first responder alerting system described in Ganter, J., et al. "Implementation process of a smartphone-based first responder alerting system", Notfall+Rettungsmedizin 25, 177-185 (2022), are typically four to five minutes. Travel time is often two to three minutes.

[0025] KAUFMANN ® Patent and Trademark Attorneys K 43 292 / 8.6 01.10.2025 If the unavoidable, system-related reaction time is disregarded, approximately half of the arrival time is attributable to the response time of the first responders. However, the response time is not taken into account, or only inadequately considered, by current first responder alerting systems.

[0026] DE 10 2015 201 270 B4 describes a system for alerting emergency services in case of an emergency. This system uses a central server connected to mobile devices assigned to individual emergency responders. In the event of an emergency call, the server sends an alert signal to at least some of these mobile devices. This signal contains information about the location of the incident or an assembly point. The mobile devices confirm receipt of the alert signal by sending a response back to the server. The server then uses current traffic data to calculate isochrones – areas reachable from the incident location or assembly point within a specific timeframe. The mobile devices can retrieve this information from the server. Based on their current location and the isochrones, the estimated time of arrival for each responder is calculated and reported back to the server.

[0027] German patent application DE 10 2021 129 885 A1 discloses a computer-implemented method for managing digital information exchange in connection with rescue operations. The method is integrated into an electronic organizational system and enables the structured communication of relevant operational data. Furthermore, the publication relates to a method for coordinating emergency physicians available in an emergency physician pool, whereby the system enables the targeted selection and assignment of suitable emergency physicians to the incident site. According to DE 10 2021 129 885 A1, route calculation is generally based on geodesy.

[0028] The response time calculation based on isochrones, described in Ganter, J., et al. “Implementation process of a smartphone-based first responder alerting system”, Notfall+Rettungsmedizin 25, 177-185 (2022), and in DE 10 2015 201 270 B4, relies on defined waypoints or geocoordinates and generally assumes that the connection between these points is direct – possibly including major structural obstacles. The

[0029] KAUFMANN ® Patent and Trademark Attorneys K 43 292 / 8.6 01.10.2025 The routes used to calculate travel time typically correspond to the shortest distances between waypoints. Since isochrones only define time ranges for geographical zones, this method allows only a rough estimate of the arrival time and leads to inaccurate assignments, especially in peripheral areas. Furthermore, the method does not take into account route-specific conditions such as construction sites or temporary traffic obstructions. The static nature of isochrones makes it difficult to react in a timely manner to dynamic changes in traffic and can therefore impair precise coordination and prioritization in operational situations.

[0030] Against this background, the object of the invention is to optimize the alerting and dispatch of first responders so that they arrive at the emergency scene as quickly and efficiently as possible. Furthermore, the system should be able to determine in real time whether and when an AED is needed and adjust the distribution of emergency tasks among first responders accordingly.

[0031] This problem is solved by a first responder alerting system with the features of claim 1 and a method for optimizing the alerting and dispatch of first responders in emergencies according to claim 8. Advantageous further developments of the invention are set out in claims 2 to 7 and 9 to 15.

[0032] The proposed first responder alerting system and the associated procedure for optimizing the alerting and dispatch of first responders in emergencies are based on the first responder alerting system “Region of Lifesavers” described in Ganter, J., et al. “Implementation process of a smartphone-based first responder alerting system”, Notfall+Rettungsmedizin 25, 177-185 (2022).

[0033] The first responder alerting system according to the invention serves to optimize the alerting and dispatch of registered first responders in emergencies. It comprises an alarm server that manages the data of the registered first responders and coordinates the alerting process. The alarm server is equipped with an interface that enables connection to a dispatch system of an emergency medical service. The first responder alerting system includes several [unclear - possibly referring to a specific system or component] belonging to the registered first responders.

[0034] KAUFMANN ® Patent and Trademark Attorneys K 43 292 / 8.6 01.10.2025 Assigned mobile devices equipped with a tracking function to determine the location data of the respective first responders. The mobile devices can be, for example, smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, laptops, or wearables. A digital application, the so-called first responder app, is installed on the mobile devices. This first responder app serves to transmit the location data to the alarm server, to communicate with the first responders, and to coordinate their operations.

[0035] The alarm server is configured to receive an incoming emergency notification from the dispatch system, specifying the emergency location and the estimated time of arrival of the emergency medical services (EMS). It then locates first responders at alerting locations near the emergency site, sends a pre-alarm to a pre-selected number of first responders based on their proximity to the emergency site, and assigns an emergency task, such as "Go to emergency site," "Perform CPR," "Retrieve AED," "Secure scene," "Guide EMS," or "Cancel call," to those first responders who acknowledge the pre-alarm. The alerting location is defined as the current location of the respective first responder at the time the emergency notification is received; therefore, the location data includes at least the alerting location.

[0036] The first responder app is configured to collect transportation data for the mode of transport used by the pre-alerted first responder to travel to the emergency location and transmit this data to the alarm server. Based on the location and transportation data, the alarm server calculates an individual estimated travel time from the alert location to the emergency location. This individual route calculation determines the fastest possible route based on the alert location, the chosen mode of transport, and the emergency location. A variety of relevant parameters are incorporated into the calculation, including digital road networks, current traffic data such as congestion or roadworks, speed limits, traffic regulations, and vehicle-specific characteristics such as size or special privileges during an emergency.

[0037] KAUFMANN ® Patent and Trademark Attorneys K 43 292 / 8.6 01.10.2025 Furthermore, the alarm server predicts an individual arrival time at the emergency site for each first responder. This consists of a predefined system-related response time (from the pre-alarm to the assignment of the emergency task), optionally a dispatch time (from the assignment of the emergency task to leaving the alarm location), and the individual expected travel time. According to the simplest embodiment of the first responder alarm system according to the invention, the dispatch time is disregarded. In this case, the dispatch time can, for example, be included as a predefined fixed value within the response time. The assignment of the emergency task ultimately depends on the predicted individual arrival time of the first responders.

[0038] The inventive method for optimizing the alerting and dispatch of registered first responders in emergencies, which can be implemented using the described first responder alerting system, comprises the following process steps executed after an emergency notification: First, the registered first responders in the vicinity of the emergency location are located. A pre-alarm is then sent to a pre-selected number of first responders, chosen based on the proximity of their alerting location to the emergency location. The pre-alerted first responders confirm the pre-alarm if available. In the next step, the transportation data of the pre-alerted first responders are recorded. Based on the location data and the transportation data, the individual estimated travel time for each first responder is determined by individual route calculation.The predicted arrival time of each first responder is calculated from the sum of the predetermined, system-related reaction time, optionally the dispatch time and the determined individual expected travel time.

[0039] Finally, the emergency task is assigned to the first responders who have confirmed the pre-alarm, depending on the individual predicted arrival time of each first responder.

[0040] The described first responder alerting system and the associated procedure offer significant advantages in terms of alerting and dispatching first responders in emergencies. The system reduces the time until resuscitation begins by alerting first responders near the emergency site.

[0041] KAUFMANN ® Patent and Trademark Attorneys K 43 292 / 8.6 01.10.2025 localized the emergency location, taking into account both location and transportation data. This enables optimal selection of first responders who can reach the emergency site most quickly. The individual arrival time prediction, incorporating travel times specific to each mode of transportation, increases the precision of deployment planning and ensures efficient allocation of available resources.

[0042] Since a reduction of one or two minutes in the time until the arrival of the first aider already has a significant impact on the victim's chance of survival, the novel and sensible task allocation to first aiders based on individual travel time calculations will save more lives: The first aider with the shortest travel time will be reliably assigned the task of going directly to the emergency site without any detours.

[0043] At the same time, targeted alerting avoids unnecessarily alerting unavailable or less relevant first responders, which increases the overall efficiency of the first responder alerting system, maintains the motivation of the first responders in the first responder alerting system, and reduces the likelihood of first responders refusing alerts due to so-called responder fatigue.

[0044] Furthermore, the first responder alert system is characterized by data economy, as sensitive data from an emergency medical service operation is only transmitted to those first responders via the first responder alert system who a) are located near the emergency site, b) report themselves as available in response to the pre-alarm, and c) are expected to arrive before the emergency medical service based on their individual, traffic-dependent travel time and, if applicable, their departure time.

[0045] Real-time communication and deployment coordination via the first responder app facilitate the execution of missions. The more realistic calculation of estimated travel times enables even better mission planning, significantly reducing the time until first responders arrive at the scene of an emergency. This precise and resource-efficient approach contributes significantly to maximizing the effectiveness of emergency assistance, saving lives, and reducing the organizational effort involved in emergency response.

[0046] KAUFMANN ® Patent and Trademark Attorneys K 43 292 / 8.6 01.10.2025 Preferably, the first responder app is configured to take into account the response time in the form of an individual response time for each first responder. In this case, the arrival time is determined from the predefined system-related reaction time (from the pre-alarm to the assignment of the emergency task), the individual response time (from the assignment of the emergency task to leaving the alarm location), and the individual estimated travel time. The first responder app is specifically configured to anticipate the individual response time. The method according to the invention, taking the individual response time into account, is carried out as follows: First, based on the location data and the means of transport data, the individual estimated travel time is determined for each first responder by means of individual route calculation.The individual response time is then anticipated for each first responder. The predicted arrival time of each first responder is calculated from the sum of the predetermined, system-related reaction time, the anticipated individual response time, and the determined individual estimated travel time. Finally, the emergency task is assigned to the first responders who confirmed the pre-alert, based on each first responder's individually predicted arrival time. This systematic anticipation of response times minimizes delays between the alarm being triggered and the actual deployment of the first responders.

[0047] To anticipate response times, the proposed first responder alerting system can, for example, be designed so that the location data determined via the location function of the first responders' mobile devices also includes data on the precision of the location determination. If the mobile device is a smartphone, the precision data can include information such as the smartphone's GPS accuracy. Low GPS accuracy generally indicates that the smartphone is located indoors, while high GPS accuracy usually indicates that the smartphone is outdoors. In the latter case, a short response time for the first responder can be expected. Therefore, shorter response times can be anticipated the higher the precision of the location data. A certain level of location accuracy can

[0048] KAUFMANN ® Patent and Trademark Attorneys K 43 292 / 8.6 01.10.2025 specified, for example experience-based response times are assigned, for example a typical response time when leaving a building.

[0049] Furthermore, the determination of typical response times can be integrated into the proposed first responder alerting system. By using GPS and variable geofencing technology, the system can pinpoint the exact time a pre-alerted first responder leaves their alert location and begins moving, i.e., dispatching. The system establishes a geofence around the coordinates of the first responder's alert location, which are determined during the pre-alert process. As soon as the first responder (or their mobile device) leaves this geofence, the time is automatically recorded and logged as the response time. The geofence radii can be adjusted to meet varying accuracy requirements to achieve optimal results. This allows response times for first responders in different situations to be determined and stored within the system.

[0050] It may also be possible for the location data determined by the tracking function of first responders' mobile devices to include time-resolved location data of the respective first responder. This means that the location data includes location data over a (short) period, for example, a few seconds after the emergency call. From this time-resolved location data, movement data can be derived, in particular the speed at which the first responder's mobile device is moving. First responders whose mobile device is moving faster than walking speed can likely travel to the scene very quickly or even immediately. In such cases, a very short response time can be anticipated; for example, the response time can be set to 0 minutes.

[0051] Furthermore, the first responder app can be configured to transmit focus mode data from a focus mode set on the mobile device of the respective first responder to the alarm server. The alarm server can then determine, in particular, the means of transport data based on the focus mode data. The focus mode is a function of mobile devices, especially modern smartphones, which is used to

[0052] KAUFMANN® Patent and Trademark Attorneys K 43 292 / 8.6 01.10.2025 serves to reduce notifications and distractions based on specific scenarios or activities. For example, Sleep Mode mutes notifications and displays only time-sensitive information to ensure undisturbed sleep. Quiet Mode limits interruptions, such as during meditation or relaxation. Driving Mode focuses on using the smartphone for navigation and communication while driving, minimizing other distractions. Work Mode allows access only to work apps or contacts to promote concentration at work. Personal Mode blocks work emails and messages, allowing the user to focus on leisure activities.Overall, the focus mode helps to use the smartphone more efficiently and appropriately depending on the situation. It is assumed that first responders whose mobile device (smartphone) is in driving mode or connected to a vehicle via cable or wirelessly can drive directly to the scene of the incident.

[0053] When training the first responder alert system, which takes anticipated individual response times into account, the alert server can determine the first responder's response time based on location data, vehicle data, and focus mode data. Specific focus mode data, which indicates a shorter or longer response time, can be considered for anticipating the response time. This includes, for example, activated focus modes such as sleep mode, idle mode, or driving mode. For first responders whose mobile device is in driving mode or connected to a vehicle via cable or wirelessly, a very short response time—in practice, 0 minutes—can be assumed. In contrast, a longer response time is to be expected for first responders whose mobile device (smartphone) is in sleep or idle mode.

[0054] The collection of transportation data for the vehicle used by the pre-alerted first responder to travel to the emergency site can be done either manually by the first responder via the first responder app or automatically, for example, based on movement data or focus mode data. The collection and consideration of this transportation data enables a more differentiated selection process.

[0055] KAUFMANN ® Patent and Trademark Attorneys K 43 292 / 8.6 01.10.2025 of the first responder. For example, first responders using a car can be prioritized if this results in shorter response times. As a rule, the first responder will manually enter their mode of transport. Upon confirming the pre-alarm, the first responder simultaneously indicates which mode of transport they will use to reach the emergency location, for example, on foot, by bicycle, or by car. The first responder app is preferably configured to offer these three options—on foot, by bicycle, and by car—to the first responder, enabling rapid feedback of the mode of transport to the alarm server. The recording of the mode of transport data can be supplemented or replaced by automatic functions.For example, movement data can be used to predict which mode of transport the first responder is likely to use. Focus mode data also allows for an automatic inference about the mode of transport. If the mobile device (smartphone) is in driving mode, the first responder alert system can assume that the vehicle is a car. Such functions or supplementary functions may eliminate the need for the first responder to specify the mode of transport, or may only require confirmation.

[0056] According to one aspect of the inventive method, it is provided that one or two of the first responders for whom the shortest arrival times are predicted (provided these predicted arrival times are shorter than the arrival time of the emergency service at the scene of the emergency) are assigned the emergency task of immediately carrying out first aid measures at the scene of the emergency, i.e., the emergency task "Go to the scene of the emergency". After the assignment of this emergency task, these first responders are guided directly and immediately to the scene of the emergency by means of the first responder app.

[0057] Preferably, the first responder alerting system according to the invention integrates the availability and use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) into the emergency response in order to accelerate life-saving measures in the event of cardiac arrest. For this purpose, the alarm server can include an interface for connecting to an AED location database.

[0058] KAUFMANN ® Patent and Trademark Attorneys K 43 292 / 8.6 01.10.2025 Within the framework of the inventive method for optimizing the alerting and dispatching of first responders in emergencies, first responders typically indicate, along with their availability message, whether they are carrying an AED after receiving the pre-alarm. If no AED is available at the emergency site and none of the first responders are carrying a personal AED, the first responder alerting system can use the AED location database to identify nearby public AED locations. First responders who offer the best combination of short travel time and rapid availability are specifically alerted and dispatched to pick up an AED. The first responder alerting system calculates the arrival time the first responder needs to retrieve the AED and bring it to the emergency site.This AED response time is compared with the estimated arrival time of the emergency medical services to ensure the AED arrives on scene in time. The assignment of this "Retrieve AED" emergency task is secondary to the "Go to Emergency" emergency task; that is, first responders with the shortest predicted arrival times are dispatched directly to the emergency scene to begin immediate first aid measures such as CPR. Nevertheless, in parallel with the resuscitation first responders, another first responder is dispatched to retrieve the AED (the "Retrieve AED" emergency task) if an AED is not already available at the scene. The entire alerting and coordination chain operates in real time, minimizing delays. This integration ensures that both qualified first responders and necessary equipment, such as an AED, arrive at the emergency scene as quickly as possible.This significantly increases the efficiency of the emergency response and improves the survival chances of patients.

[0059] None of the currently known first responder alerting systems perform individual route calculations from the first responder's location at the time of the alert to the emergency site, taking into account the respective mode of transport. This includes, if applicable, route calculations for each first responder via the nearest AED locations, again considering the respective mode of transport, and then task allocation based on the results of the system's route calculations. The proposed first responder alerting system also prevents first responders from taking a detour via an AED location instead of going directly to the emergency site, even though they could reach it in the shortest possible time. Preferably,

[0060] KAUFMANN ® Patent and Trademark Attorneys K 43 292 / 8.6 01.10.2025 the task of fetching an AED should only be assigned if the AED is expected to be available at the emergency site before the ambulance service.

[0061] The first responder alerting system can further be configured, or the procedure for optimizing the alerting and dispatch of first responders in emergencies can be implemented, such that if none of the first responders indicate they are carrying an AED, and the route calculation for the available first responders shows that none of them can pick up an AED and arrive before the ambulance service, the first responder alerting system (i.e., the alert server) checks whether an AED drone is available near the emergency location and whether the AED drone's flight time to the emergency location is shorter than the ambulance service's response time, i.e., whether it reaches the emergency location before the ambulance service's expected arrival time. If so, the alert server dispatches the AED drone to the emergency location.

[0062] Preferably, the first responder alerting system uses real-time calculation and updates, continuously making adjustments based on feedback from first responders as well as updated location and movement data. This means the system operates in real time, continuously adapting alerting and dispatch decisions to the feedback and location / movement data of the first responders. Dynamic optimization of the alerting process ensures that the first responders with the best response times and resources are always selected, significantly increasing the efficiency of the emergency response chain.

[0063] In addition, the first responder alert system uses continuous data analysis to improve the quality of future deployments. It documents all location and deployment data and records target and actual times to identify patterns and continuously optimize the task assignment algorithm. This ensures a sustainable improvement in response times and the availability of life-saving measures in future emergencies.

[0064] The invention is explained below by way of example using two emergency situations:

[0065] KAUFMANN ® Patent and Trademark Attorneys K 43 292 / 8.6 01.10.2025 The first emergency situation describes the application of the first responder alert system without considering the response time:

[0066] A man collapses during a phone call with his wife. His wife hears him fall to the floor, but then he doesn't speak. She hangs up and calls emergency services. While still on the phone with his wife, the emergency dispatch center sends the coordinates of the emergency location, the code word "unconscious person," and the estimated time of arrival for the ambulance to the first responder alert system's alarm server. The alarm server immediately begins locating and alerting available first responders in the vicinity.

[0067] Six registered first responders are identified, and their mobile devices transmit location data to the alarm server. The first responders are pre-alerted via the first responder app, assuming they will arrive by car. Five of the first responders confirm their availability and specify their actual mode of transport: the first responder indicates they will arrive by car, the second and third by bicycle, and the fourth and fifth on foot. The sixth responder reports being unavailable. A one-minute offset is assumed for the response time.

[0068] The alarm server calculates the estimated arrival times of first responders, taking into account their means of transport and their alarm locations. The first responder will reach the scene in approximately two minutes, the second in three minutes, the third in four minutes, the fourth in six minutes, and the fifth in ten minutes. None of the first responders are carrying an AED. The alarm server then calculates the arrival times at the scene for the third, fourth, and fifth responders if a public AED is also available. The shortest arrival time, including AED availability, is calculated for the third responder and is five minutes.

[0069] Based on this, the emergency tasks are distributed: The first first responder is tasked with resuscitating an unconscious patient, while the second

[0070] KAUFMANN ® Patent and Trademark Attorneys K 43 292 / 8.6 01.10.2025 The first responder assists him in this measure and performs the ventilation. The third first responder is tasked with picking up an AED from a nearby location and bringing it to the emergency site. The fourth first responder is responsible for on-site coordination, including briefing the ambulance service, and securing the emergency site. The fifth first responder's assignment is canceled because the estimated arrival time of the ambulance service is eight minutes, which is shorter than the fifth first responder's arrival time.

[0071] The first responder arrives at the scene of the emergency and immediately begins resuscitation of an unconscious victim. They check vital signs and perform chest compressions and rescue breaths. Shortly afterward, the second responder arrives and assists with the resuscitation. Meanwhile, the third responder retrieves the AED from a nearby location and brings it to the scene as quickly as possible, where they are immediately integrated into the resuscitation efforts. The AED is used to perform defibrillation if necessary.

[0072] The fourth first responder directs the emergency services. They open the front door, stand in the street, and make their presence known to the approaching ambulance or emergency physician's vehicle crew. As soon as the emergency services arrive, the fourth first responder guides the rescue team to the scene of the emergency. The fourth first responder can also provide support to relatives or those affected.

[0073] All actions taken and arrival times are documented by the alarm server; likewise, first responders are prompted to complete and upload an incident report via the app after the deployment. This enables comprehensive quality assurance, and the system can be further developed based on the data. This example demonstrates how precise task allocation and real-time communication between first responders and the alarm server enable a rapid and effective emergency response, ensuring life-saving measures and optimally bridging the time until professional medical care arrives.

[0074] KAUFMANN ® Patent and Trademark Attorneys K 43 292 / 8.6 01.10.2025 The second emergency situation describes the application of the first responder alert system, taking into account the response time:

[0075] A serious car accident occurs on a rural road, in which a vehicle has left the roadway and several people are injured. The emergency call is automatically triggered by the vehicle's eCall system and transmitted to the emergency dispatch center. The dispatch center sends the coordinates of the accident / emergency location, the severity of the accident, and the estimated time of arrival of the emergency services to the alarm server of the first responder alert system. The alarm server immediately begins to locate and alert available first responders in the vicinity.

[0076] Six registered first responders are identified, and their mobile devices transmit location data to the alarm server. The first responders are pre-alerted via the first responder app, assuming they will arrive by car. Five of the first responders confirm their availability and indicate their actual mode of transport: the first responder indicates they will arrive by car, the second and third by bicycle, and the fourth and fifth on foot. The sixth responder reports being unavailable. Furthermore, based on the location data and its inherently low precision, the first responder alerting system recognizes that the fifth responder is likely inside a building. A response time of two minutes is anticipated for the fifth responder. The reaction time is generally assumed to be "0," as it is typically negligible compared to the response and travel time.

[0077] The alarm server calculates the estimated arrival times of first responders, taking into account their means of transport and their alarm locations. The first responder will reach the scene in approximately two minutes, the second in three minutes, the third in four minutes, the fourth in six minutes, and the fifth in ten minutes. None of the first responders are carrying an AED. The alarm server then calculates the arrival times of the third, fourth, and fifth responders at the scene if a public AED is also available.

[0078] KAUFMANN ® Patent and Trademark Attorneys K 43 292 / 8.6 01.10.2025. The shortest response time, including AED deployment, is determined for the third first responder and is five minutes.

[0079] Based on this, the emergency tasks are distributed: The first first responder is tasked with resuscitating an unconscious patient, while the second first responder assists. The third first responder is assigned to retrieve an AED from a nearby location and bring it to the emergency site. The fourth first responder is responsible for on-site coordination, including briefing the ambulance service, and securing the emergency scene. The fifth first responder's assignment is canceled, as the ambulance service is expected to arrive in eight minutes, which is shorter than the fifth first responder's response time.

[0080] The first responder arrives at the scene of the emergency and immediately begins resuscitation of an unconscious victim. They check vital signs and perform chest compressions and rescue breaths. Shortly afterward, the second responder arrives and assists with the resuscitation. Meanwhile, the third responder retrieves the AED from a nearby location and brings it to the scene as quickly as possible, where they are immediately integrated into the resuscitation efforts. The AED is used to perform defibrillation if necessary.

[0081] The fourth first responder takes over coordination at the accident scene. They attend to those with less serious injuries, calm those involved in the accident, and keep bystanders away from the danger zone. They also make the necessary preparations to guide the emergency services. As soon as the emergency services arrive, the fourth first responder leads the rescue team to the accident site and provides important information about the measures taken so far and the condition of the injured.

[0082] The ambulance service takes over the care of the patients, while the first responders stabilize the situation on site and – as in the first example – complete their tasks.

[0083] KAUFMANN ® Patent and Trademark Attorneys K 43 292 / 8.6 01.10.2025

Claims

Patent claims 1. First responder alerting system for optimizing the alerting and dispatch of registered first responders in emergencies, wherein the first responder alerting system comprises: - an alarm server for managing data of registered first responders and coordinating the alerting, wherein the alarm server has an interface for connecting to an emergency dispatch system of a rescue service, - several mobile devices with location tracking assigned to individual first responders of the first responder alerting system to determine the location data of the respective first responder, and - A digital application in the form of a first responder app, executable on mobile devices, for transmitting the location data of first responders to the alarm server, for communication with first responders and for coordinating first responders, whereby the alarm server is configured to transmit the emergency location and the expected arrival time of the first responder upon receipt of an emergency notification from the dispatch system. to receive emergency medical services at the emergency site, to locate first responders located at an alerting location near the emergency site, to send a pre-alarm to a pre-selected number of first responders depending on the proximity of their alerting location and to assign an emergency task to the first responders who acknowledge the pre-alarm, characterized in that the first responder app is further configured to collect and transmit transportation data for a means of transport used by the respective pre-alerted first responder to travel to the emergency site, wherein the alarm server is further configured as follows: - to determine an individual estimated travel time from the first responder's alarm location to the emergency site based on location data and transport data, - to predict an individual arrival time at the emergency site for each first responder based on the sum of a system-related, predetermined reaction time, ranging from the pre-alarm to the assignment of the emergency task, and the individual expected travel time, and KAUFMANN ® Patent and Trademark Attorneys K 43 292 / 8.6 01.10.2025 to assign the emergency task to the first responders depending on the predicted individual arrival time.

2. First responder alert system according to claim 1, characterized in that the location data determined by means of the location function of the mobile devices of the first responders includes data for the precision of the location determination.

3. First responder alerting system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the location data determined by means of the location function of the mobile devices of the first responders includes time-resolved location data of the respective first responder.

4. First responder alert system according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the alarm server further comprises an interface for connection to an AED location database.

5. First responder alert system according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first responder app is further configured to transmit focus mode data to the alarm server for a focus mode set on the mobile device of the respective first responder, wherein the alarm server is further configured to determine the means of transport data on the basis of the focus mode data.

6. First responder alert system according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the alarm server is further configured as follows: - to anticipate an individual response time for each first responder, based at least on location data and transport data, from the assignment of the emergency task to the first responder's departure from the alarm location, and - to predict the individual arrival time at the emergency site for each first responder from the sum of the system-related, predetermined reaction time, ranging from the pre-alarm to the assignment of the emergency task, the individual departure time and the individual expected travel time. KAUFMANN ® Patent and Trademark Attorneys K 43 292 / 8.6 01.10.2025 7. First responder alert system according to claim 6, characterized in that the first responder app is further configured to transmit focus mode data to the alarm server for a focus mode set on the mobile device of the respective first responder, wherein the alarm server is further configured to determine the response time of the first responder based on the location data, the means of transport data and the focus mode data and / or to determine the means of transport data based on the focus mode data.

8. Method for optimizing the alerting and dispatching of registered first responders in emergencies, carried out by means of a first responder alerting system according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by the following method steps performed after the emergency report: - Locating registered first responders near the emergency site and recording the location data of the first responders, - Sending a pre-alert to a pre-selected number of first responders, depending on the proximity of the alert location to the emergency site, - Confirmation of the pre-alarm by the first responders if available, - Recording the transportation data of the pre-alerted first responders, - Determining the estimated travel time of the respective first responder, - Determining the predicted arrival time for each first responder as the sum of the predetermined, system-related reaction time and the individual expected travel time determined for the first responder, and - Assignment of the emergency task to the first responders who have confirmed the pre-alarm, depending on the individual predicted arrival time of each first responder.

9. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that one or two of the first responders for whom the shortest arrival times are predicted, and provided that these predicted arrival times are shorter than the arrival time of the rescue service at the emergency site, are assigned the emergency task of immediately carrying out first aid measures at the emergency site, wherein these first responders are immediately directed to the emergency site by means of the first responder app. KAUFMANN ® Patent and Trademark Attorneys K 43 292 / 8.6 01.10.2025 10. Method according to claim 9, carried out by means of the first aider alerting system according to claim 4, characterized in that a further first aider is dispatched to collect an AED if none of the first aiders assigned to carry out the first aid measures already carries an AED.

11. Method according to claim 9 or 10, carried out by means of the first responder alerting system according to claim 4, characterized in that, if none of the first responders assigned to carry out the first aid measures carries an AED and none of the first responders can be dispatched to provide an AED at the emergency site in a timely manner, the alert server checks the availability of an AED drone that can reach the emergency site before the arrival time of the rescue service, and, if such an AED drone is available, dispatches it to the emergency site.

12. Method according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the travel times are systematically recorded and stored for system optimization.

13. Method according to one of claims 8 to 12, carried out by means of the first responder alerting system according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the method comprises as a further method step the anticipation of the response time of the respective first responder on the basis of the location data and the means of transport data, wherein the predicted arrival time for each first responder is determined as the sum of the predetermined, system-related reaction time, the individual response time anticipated for the first responder and the individual expected travel time determined for the first responder.

14. Method according to claim 13, carried out by means of the first responder alerting system according to claim 2, characterized in that shorter response times are anticipated the higher the precision of the location data. KAUFMANN ® Patent and Trademark Attorneys K 43 292 / 8.6 01.10.2025 15. Method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the travel times and / or departure times are systematically recorded and stored for system optimization. KAUFMANN ® Patent and Trademark Attorneys K 43 292 / 8.6 01.10.2025