Triage device with exactly one operating element

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (101) for registering a patient (217) in the event of a mass casualty incident, comprising exactly one operating element (103), wherein the device (101) is designed to detect or change the classification category of the patient (217) on the basis of the number of actuations of the operating element (103).

Description

[0001] ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 307153-DE-NP(2) Friedrichshafen 2025-03-14

[0002] Triaqeqegerät with exactly one control element

[0003] The invention relates to a device according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0004] Casualty tag cards are a known technology. These cards are used to register patients requiring care in mass casualty incidents. A casualty tag card is attached to the patient's neck. It contains a colored field, the color of which indicates the patient's condition. Emergency responders classify the patient's condition into one of several categories, called triage categories. Each triage category is assigned a specific color on the casualty tag card.

[0005] The function of a casualty tag can be digitally replicated. A corresponding solution is disclosed, for example, in DE 102021 209895 A1. This patent discloses a device for registering a patient in a mass casualty incident. The device represents a triage category using a colored light element. For operation, the device has several push buttons.

[0006] The invention is based on the objective of providing a device for registering a patient in a mass casualty incident that is improved compared to the prior art. This objective is achieved by a device according to claim 1. Preferred embodiments are included in the dependent claims and will become apparent from the following description and the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures.

[0007] According to the invention, the device is characterized by a single operating element. To enable operation, the device implements an innovative functionality. The device is designed to register the number of actuations of the operating element. In an emergency or mass casualty incident, the operating element is actuated once or several times by a responder. The device counts the number of actuations. It is designed to assign a triage category to the patient based on the number of actuations. ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 307153-DE-NP(2) Friedrichshafen 2025-03-14

[0008] to record the control element when the device is used for the first time and to change it subsequently if a sighting category has already been recorded.

[0009] In particular, the triage category can be changed incrementally. For this purpose, a sequence of different triage categories can be stored in the device. Each time the control is activated, the device then switches to the next category in this sequence. For example, the five triage categories according to the SMART protocol (Simple Triage And Rapid Treatment) can be stored in the device in the following order: Category 1 (red), Category 2 (yellow), Category 3 (green), Category 4 (blue), and Category 5 (purple). When the control is activated, Category 1 (red) is initially detected. If the control is activated again, the device changes the triage category to Category 2 (yellow). With repeated activations of the control, the triage category changes sequentially to Category 3 (green), Category 4 (blue), and Category 5 (purple).Once the screening category reaches category 5 (purple), and the control element is activated again, the same sequence of screening categories starting with category 1 (red) is repeated depending on the number of times the control element is activated.

[0010] The invention not only simplifies the device itself, but also its operation. Since only one control element is required, the device can also be manufactured more easily and made more robust.

[0011] Preferably, the control element is designed as a push button. A push button is a control element that registers a simple touch or pressure. In particular, the push button can be designed such that pressing it opens or closes an electrical circuit. The state of the circuit indicates that the control element has been actuated. A push button of this type is advantageous because it is particularly simple and robust in design.

[0012] Preferably, the device is further developed to include at least two different types of actuation of the control element - a first type of actuation and a second type of actuation. ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 307153-DE-NP(2) Friedrichshafen 2025-03-14

[0013] Operation – to be recognized. The operation of the control element described above is preferably the second type of operation. The first type of operation, according to further training, serves to switch the device on or off.

[0014] If the device is switched off and the control element is activated as described in the first manner, the device switches on. If it is switched on and the control element is activated as described in the first manner, the device switches off again.

[0015] By differentiating between two types of operation, as required by further training, it is possible to assign additional functionalities to the control element. This eliminates the need for a separate on / off switch.

[0016] Preferably, the types of actuation of the control element are differentiated based on the duration of the actuation. Accordingly, the device is preferably further developed to detect the duration of the actuation of the control element.

[0017] The device has a predefined time threshold, as required for further training. If the duration of the control element's operation exceeds this threshold, it corresponds to the first type of operation. If the duration of the operation does not exceed the threshold, it corresponds to the second type of operation.

[0018] The automated recording of the activation duration, as required by training, results in two key advantages: firstly, very simple operation, which is particularly well-suited for stressful situations faced by emergency responders during mass casualty incidents; and secondly, it allows for the implementation of extended functionalities even using simple control elements such as push buttons.

[0019] The device's status as a result of the operation of the control element in at least two different ways, as required by the training, and the sighting category detected, if any, are indicated in a preferred training method by means of at least one light source. The light source is white or in the colors of the SMART protocol, i.e., in the colors red, yellow, green, blue, or ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 307153-DE-NP(2) Friedrichshafen 2025-03-14

[0020] The light glows purple. The specific color corresponds to the sighting category detected by the device.

[0021] Specifically, the light source is designed to illuminate white when the device is switched on by pressing the first button. Upon one or more subsequent presses of the second button, the light source illuminates in one of the specified colors. The color depends on the number of presses of the second button. In particular, the colors of the SMART protocol can cycle through in the sequence described above, depending on the number of presses of the second button. Upon the first press of the second button, after the device has been switched on, the light source illuminates red; upon the second press, yellow; upon the third press, green; upon the fourth press, blue; and upon the fifth press, purple. Upon the sixth press of the second button, the light source illuminates red again.

[0022] To clearly and visibly assign the triage category recorded by the device to a patient for the emergency personnel involved, the device is preferably designed to be attached to the patient. This entails the risk that the patient may operate the device without authorization. Therefore, the device is preferably equipped with an authentication mechanism for the emergency personnel. Specifically, the device is designed to authenticate the emergency personnel and, through authentication, to unlock the device. In the unlocked state, the device can be operated, particularly as described above. When the device is in the locked state, it preferably does not respond to any input from the control element.

[0023] This is implemented in a preferred training procedure. According to the training procedure, the device is designed so that it only switches on or off and only records or changes the patient's triage category when it is in the unlocked state. The device, as configured for the training, is therefore first set to the unlocked state – for example, by authenticating an emergency responder – and can only then be switched on. ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 307153-DE-NP(2) Friedrichshafen 2025-03-14

[0024] When switched on, the device can be operated as described above and used to register a patient. The device can only be switched off again if it is unlocked. Once it is locked, it cannot be switched off.

[0025] To protect the device from unauthorized use, it automatically reverts to a locked state after a certain period of time, as part of a preferred training program. According to this program, the device is locked if it has been in an unlocked state for a predetermined period of time stored in the device, and / or if the control element has not been operated for a predetermined period of time stored in the device.

[0026] For authentication of the emergency responder, an identification means, such as an RFID card, is preferably provided. To enable authentication using such an identification means, the device is preferably equipped with a device for capturing identification means. By capturing an emergency responder's identification means, the device, according to its configuration, is able to authenticate the emergency responder.

[0027] In a preferred further development, the device for capturing identification means is also used to identify the patient by capturing an identification means assigned to the patient. This identification means is also preferably an RFID card. In particular, identity documents or health insurance cards equipped with corresponding chips can be used as identification means for the patient.

[0028] In a mass casualty incident, patients are typically categorized as a first step, as described above. Further medical treatment is then determined based on the triage categories. This process generates data, such as information on diagnoses and treatments. To make this data available in a triage system to which the device is integrated, the data must first be captured by the device. (ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 307153-DE-NP(2) Friedrichshafen 2025-03-14)

[0029] If the device has only a single control element, the data in a preferred training course is entered via a mobile device, such as a mobile phone or a tablet.

[0030] The device is preferably further equipped with a means for establishing a data transmission connection between the device and the mobile terminal. The data transmission connection can be a wireless connection, preferably a radio connection.

[0031] The training involves the exchange of data between the device and the mobile terminal via a data transmission connection. This data may include patient data, particularly medical data such as diagnoses and information on medical treatment, which is entered by an emergency responder on the mobile terminal and transmitted from the mobile terminal to the device via the data transmission connection.

[0032] Authentication of the emergency responder via their mobile device is also possible. For this purpose, authentication data can be transmitted via the data transmission connection.

[0033] Preferably, the device is further equipped with a means for establishing a data and / or signal transmission connection between the device and at least one medical device. The means for establishing the data and / or signal transmission connection between the device and the at least one medical device can be identical to the means described above for establishing a data transmission connection between the device and the mobile terminal. Alternatively, it can be a means for establishing an analog signal transmission connection in order to integrate older medical devices into the triage system.

[0034] The at least one medical device is intended for measuring the patient's vital parameters. According to further training, the vital parameters can be transmitted to the device via the data and / or signal transmission connection. ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 307153-DE-NP(2) Friedrichshafen 2025-03-14

[0035] The device is integrated into the triage system and made available within the triage system. The device is further trained to receive vital parameters transmitted via the data transmission link from the medical device.

[0036] A preferred configuration requires that the triage system include one or more control center computers. The device is equipped with a means for establishing a data transmission connection between the device and the one or more control center computers. Such a data transmission connection can be established via several intermediaries. In particular, the device can be connected to the internet via a mobile network and then to the one or more control center computers via the internet.

[0037] Locating patients is crucial for coordinating a mass casualty incident. A patient can be located using a device according to the invention or a further embodiment thereof, which is attached to the patient. Preferably, the device includes a means for acquiring location information. The location information encoded within this location data indicates the device's position. A GPS receiver, for example, is suitable for this purpose.

[0038] According to further training, the data transmission connection between the device and the one or more control center computers serves to transmit the data received from the mobile device and / or the vital parameters measured by the at least one medical device to the one or more control center computers.

[0039] Preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the figures. Specifically, the figures show:

[0040] Fig. 1 shows a device for registering a patient, and

[0041] Fig. 2 a triage system. ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 307153-DE-NP(2) Friedrichshafen 2025-03-14

[0042] The device 101 shown in Fig. 1 has exactly one operating element 103 designed as a push button. The device 101 can be operated with this element as described above.

[0043] Fig. 2 shows the integration of devices 101 into a triage system 201. The triage system 201 comprises, in addition to the devices 101, one or more control center computers 203, which are connected to each other in a cloud, and one or more control center terminals 205.

[0044] Each of the control center terminals 205 has a user interface 207 implemented. This provides access to the triage system 201 for individuals, such as medical personnel, who are deployed at a distance from the major incident in a clinic 209.

[0045] The control center computers 203 can form a cloud. The devices 101 are connected to the cloud or the control center computers 203 via a mobile network 211 and / or a satellite communication network 213. This allows data to be exchanged between the devices 101 and the cloud or the control center computers 203.

[0046] Emergency responder 215, located at the scene of the major incident, uses a device 101 to register a patient 217 in the triage system 201. Emergency responder 215 is assigned an identification card 219, which they use to authenticate themselves.

[0047] There are two authentication options. Firstly, the emergency responder 215 can hold their identification card 219 to the device 101. The device 101 is designed to read the identification card 219 contactlessly and, upon successful authentication of the emergency responder 215, to switch from a locked state to an unlocked state.

[0048] Alternatively, authentication via a mobile device 221 is possible. A triage application 223 is installed on the mobile device 221. This ensures the exchange of data between the device 101 and the mobile device. ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 307153-DE-NP(2) Friedrichshafen 2025-03-14

[0049] 221 and also provides a user interface for the emergency responder 215. If the identification card 219 is read using the mobile device 221 and the emergency responder 215 is successfully authenticated, the mobile device 221 sends a corresponding message to the device 101. This message causes the device 101 to switch from a locked to an unlocked state.

[0050] When unlocked, input can be made using control element 103. In particular, when unlocked, a triage category for patient 217 can be set using control element 201.

[0051] Patient 217 is assigned a further identification card 225. This card can also be read by holding it against device 101 or using the mobile device 221. The read identification data of patient 217 is then transferred from the mobile device 221 to device 101, if necessary. From there, the identification data is forwarded to the cloud or to the control center computers 205.

[0052] A device 227 is provided for measuring the vital parameters of patient 217. For example, the patient's smartwatch can be used to measure pulse values. The device 227 is connected to the device 101 for data transmission. This allows the vital parameters measured by the device 227 to be transmitted to the device 101. The device 101, in turn, transmits the measured vital parameters to the cloud or to the control center computers 203. The vital parameters are then available to medical personnel for further evaluation via the user interfaces 207 of the control center terminals 205. ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 307153-DE-NP(2)

[0053] Friedrichshafen 2025-03-14

[0054] Reference mark

[0055] 101 device

[0056] 103 Control element

[0057] 201 Triage system

[0058] 203 control center computers

[0059] 205 Control Center Terminal

[0060] 207 User interface

[0061] 209 Clinic

[0062] 211 Mobile network

[0063] 213 Satellite Communications Network

[0064] 215 emergency personnel

[0065] 217 patients

[0066] 219 Identification card

[0067] 221 mobile device

[0068] 223 Triage application

[0069] 225 Identification card

[0070] 227 Device for measuring vital parameters

Claims

ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 307153-DE-NP(2) Friedrichshafen 2025-03-14 Patent claims New patent claims 1. Device (101) for registering a patient (217) in a mass casualty incident; characterized by exactly one control element (103); wherein the device (101) is designed to detect or change a triage category of the patient (217) depending on a number of activations of the control element (103).

2. Device (101) according to claim 1; characterized in that the control element (103) is designed as a push button.

3. Device (101) according to one of the preceding claims; characterized in that the device (101) is designed to recognize at least two different types of actuation of the control element (103), to switch on or off upon a first type of actuation, and to detect or change the sighting category depending on a number of actuations of a second type.

4. Device (101) according to the preceding claim; characterized in that the device (101) is configured to detect the duration of the actuation of the control element (103), wherein the first type of actuation corresponds to an actuation whose duration exceeds a predefined threshold; and wherein The second type of operation corresponds to an operation whose duration does not exceed the threshold.

5. Device (101) according to one of claims 3 or 4; characterized by at least one light source which is configured to - to glow white when the device has been switched on by an actuation of the first type, and ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 307153-DE-NP(2) Friedrichshafen 2025-03-14 - to light up in one of the colors of the SMART protocol when activated once or several times using the second type; whereby the color depends on the number of activations of a second type.

6. Device (101) according to one of the preceding claims; characterized in that the device (101) is configured to authenticate an emergency responder (215); wherein the device (101) is placed in an unlocked state by the authentication.

7. Device (101) according to the preceding claim; characterized in that the device (101) only switches on or off and only detects or changes the patient's (217) triage categories when it is in the unlocked state.

8. Device (101) according to one of the preceding two claims; characterized in that the device (101) is placed in a locked state if it has been in the unlocked state for a predetermined period of time and / or if the control element (103) has not been operated for a predetermined period of time.

9. Device (101) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a device for detecting identification means (219, 225); wherein the device (101) is configured to authenticate the emergency responder by detecting an identification means (219) of the emergency responder (215).

10. Device (101) according to the preceding claim; characterized in that the device (101) is configured to identify a patient (217) by detecting an identification means (219) of the patient (217).

11. Device (101) according to one of the preceding claims; characterized by a means for establishing a data transmission connection between the device (101) and a mobile terminal (221); wherein ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 307153-DE-NP(2) Friedrichshafen 2025-03-14 the device (101) is designed to exchange data with the mobile device (221) via the data transmission connection.

12. Device (101) according to one of the preceding claims; characterized by a means for establishing a data and / or signal transmission connection between the device (101) and at least one device (227) for measuring vital parameters of the patient (217); wherein the device (101) is designed to receive the vital parameters from the device (227) via the data transmission link.

13. Device (101) according to one of the preceding two claims; characterized by a means of establishing a data transmission connection between the device (101) and one or more control center computers (203); wherein The device (101) is designed to transmit data and / or vital parameters received from the mobile terminal (221) via the data transmission link to the one or more control center computers (203).

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