Emergency Medical Dispatch Logic Tree for Prioritization Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Emergency medical dispatch systems face challenges in efficiently prioritizing and providing accurate, timely responses to medical emergencies, particularly in distinguishing true emergencies from non-emergencies and ensuring appropriate resource allocation and pre-arrival instructions.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented emergency medical dispatch system that uses a logic tree with questions and responses to calculate a determinant value, coupled with diagnostic tools like breathing detectors, pulse check tools, and CPR compression monitors, to assist dispatchers in determining the severity of incidents and providing appropriate instructions and resource allocation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional emergency dispatch systems rely on dispatcher expertise and manual assessment, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but consistency and accuracy of emergency prioritization deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of emergency prioritizationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a computer-based diagnostic tool as an intermediary between the dispatcher and the caller. This tool automatically performs protocol interrogation, calculates determinant values, and generates prioritization recommendations, serving as a mediator that enhances measurement precision while managing system complexity through automation of routine assessment functions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical assessment process with an automated computer-based system that uses algorithmic protocols and deterministic calculations. The system substitutes human cognitive processing with computational algorithms that systematically evaluate caller responses and generate prioritization recommendations, improving consistency and accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If the system uses detailed protocol interrogation to determine emergency severity, then prioritization accuracy improves, but response time and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprioritization accuracyVSAvoidresponse time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements pre-programmed protocols and predetermined questioning sequences that guide the dispatcher through essential assessments in an optimized order. Critical prioritization factors are evaluated first through structured protocols, allowing the system to generate initial prioritization recommendations quickly while maintaining accuracy through systematic information gathering

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the depth and scope of protocol interrogation based on initial assessment parameters. The determinant value calculation method allows the system to process information efficiently by weighting different parameters appropriately, enabling accurate prioritization without requiring exhaustive interrogation of all possible parameters in every case

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If manual assessment methods are used to evaluate emergency severity, then system simplicity is maintained, but consistency and reliability of prioritization deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconsistency of prioritizationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The diagnostic tool operates autonomously to perform protocol interrogation, calculate determinant values, and generate prioritization recommendations without requiring external intervention. The system self-corrects and self-regulates through automated logic, ensuring consistent application of prioritization criteria across all emergency assessments while reducing reliance on variable human judgment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where dispatcher inputs and caller responses are systematically processed through the protocol interrogation framework. The determinant value calculation provides continuous feedback on emergency severity, allowing the system to adjust and refine prioritization recommendations based on accumulating information, thereby enhancing reliability through iterative assessment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8066638B2Diagnostic and intervention tools for emergency medical dispatch
Publication Date: 2011.11.29 CLAWSON JEFFREY J
  • US8066638B2 patent drawing
  • US8066638B2 patent drawing
  • US8066638B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system and method assists an emergency medical dispatcher in responding to emergency calls. A computer implemented emergency medical dispatch protocol includes interrogatories for a dispatcher to ask a caller to generate an appropriate response. A diagnostic tool is provided to determine a vital sign of a patient based on a timer and caller relayed information about the patient. An intervention tool is provided to administer assistance and determine a compression rate based on a timer and caller relayed information.