EMS Response Interface With Large Edge-Adjacent Navigation Buttons
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current EMS navigation systems with small buttons spread out on the user interface require significant time and attention diversion from critical tasks, especially in mobile environments, detracting from patient care or driving.
Innovation Solution
A user interface system with large, edge-adjacent navigation buttons and an 'easy response' button that simplifies incident acknowledgment, automatically displaying a route upon touch, and centralizing data through a back-of-ambulance device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If small navigation buttons are spread out on the user interface, then the interface can accommodate more navigation options, but the time to find and activate the correct button increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation interface is segmented into multiple display screens with navigationally linked buttons. Each screen presents a subset of navigation options, allowing users to access more options across multiple screens rather than being overwhelmed by all options on a single screen. This segmentation reduces the time to find the correct button by presenting options in manageable groups.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface transitions from a two-dimensional spread-out button arrangement to a multi-screen navigational structure. By adding the dimension of screen transitions and navigation links, the system provides access to more options without increasing the physical space required on each individual screen, thereby reducing search time while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If small buttons are placed in various locations on the screen, then more navigation functions can be accessed, but the worker's attention is diverted from the EMS situation
Solution Approach 1:
Navigation functions are segmented across multiple display screens rather than being concentrated in one location. Each screen presents relevant navigation options for the current context, allowing workers to access navigation functions without having to search the entire screen or divert attention from the EMS situation. The segmented approach keeps navigation options relevant and accessible while maintaining focus on critical tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides preliminary navigation information and options on each display screen before the worker needs to activate a specific function. By pre-presenting navigation options and contextual information on each screen, the worker can quickly access needed functions without having to search through the interface or divert attention from patient care or driving conditions.
3Ease of operation
If navigation buttons are made larger, then the ease of operation improves, but the number of buttons that can fit on the screen decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation interface is divided into multiple display screens, each containing a subset of navigation buttons. By segmenting the button set across multiple screens, the system can use larger buttons on each individual screen while still providing access to a comprehensive set of navigation options through the multi-screen structure. This resolves the contradiction by distributing buttons across multiple surfaces rather than fitting all buttons on a single screen.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds the dimension of multiple display screens to the navigation interface. This dimensional change allows the system to present larger, more accessible buttons on each screen while providing access to a greater total number of navigation options through the expanded screen space. The multi-screen approach decouples the relationship between button size and total button count.
4Ease of operation
If the user interface requires frequent button activation, then navigation control is achieved, but the worker must stop the vehicle to activate navigation commands
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation system provides preliminary navigation information, directions, and controls on the display screens before the worker needs to activate specific functions. By pre-presenting navigation options and contextual information, the worker can access needed navigation controls quickly without having to stop the vehicle, reducing the time lost to navigation command activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the need for physical button pressing (mechanical action) with touchscreen interface and automated navigation guidance. By using visual display screens with navigationally linked buttons and automated routing, the worker can control navigation without physically interacting with buttons in a way that requires stopping the vehicle, thereby maintaining navigation control while reducing time loss.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for tracking and management of emergency medical services (EMS) responses includes one or more servers configured to assign two or more EMS responses of a plurality of EMS responses corresponding to a plurality of incidences to an EMS vehicle, wherein a first EMS response of the two or more EMS responses is an emergency patient transport and another EMS response of the two or more EMS responses is a pre-scheduled patient transport, provide a user interface comprising a map comprising location information for the two or more EMS responses, receive location information updates for the EMS vehicle, update the map and a status of the EMS vehicle at the user interface based on the location information updates, and store a status history for the EMS vehicle.