Pandemic Emergency Dispatch Logic Tree Protocol
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated emergency dispatch systems are inadequate for processing emergency calls involving pandemic illnesses, as they lack the necessary protocols and tools to provide accurate, consistent, and systematic responses, particularly for inexperienced dispatchers who may not have the medical training or experience to handle such situations effectively.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented emergency medical dispatch system that includes a logic tree-based protocol with diagnostic tools and pandemic-specific protocols to guide dispatchers in processing emergency calls, providing consistent and predictable responses, and offering doctor-approved instructions to callers, while also tracking and containing the spread of the illness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing automated emergency dispatch systems are used, then basic emergency call processing is available, but they lack the necessary protocols and tools to provide accurate, consistent, and systematic responses for pandemic illnesses
Solution Approach 1:
The dispatch system is segmented into separate functional modules: a pandemic protocol module, a diagnostic tool module, and a standard dispatch module. This allows the system to maintain basic emergency processing capabilities while adding specialized pandemic response functionality without overwhelming the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-programming pandemic-specific protocols and diagnostic tools before actual pandemic emergencies occur. The logic tree is pre-configured with pandemic illness detection pathways, allowing rapid response when needed without requiring real-time system reconfiguration.
2Ease of operation
If manual dispatch processing is used without systematic protocols, then dispatchers have flexibility in handling calls, but responses become inconsistent and unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the dispatcher's inputs are continuously monitored and fed back into the logic tree. Based on the caller's responses and dispatcher inputs, the system dynamically adjusts the interrogation protocol to maintain consistent pandemic illness detection while allowing necessary operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters dynamically by adjusting the level of automation and protocol strictness based on the situation. For pandemic-related calls, the system enforces systematic protocols with consistent interrogation pathways, while allowing flexibility in non-pandemic situations through standard dispatch procedures.
3Productivity
If dispatchers without medical training handle pandemic calls, then labor costs are reduced, but their ability to manage complex medical situations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by providing dispatchers with automated diagnostic tools and pre-programmed pandemic protocols that guide them through complex medical interrogations. The logic tree automatically determines the appropriate interrogation pathway based on caller responses, allowing less-trained dispatchers to handle complex situations reliably.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated diagnostic tool acts as an intermediary between the dispatcher and the complex medical assessment process. It translates complex medical evaluation requirements into simple, structured questions that dispatchers can reliably ask callers, bridging the gap between limited dispatcher training and the need for comprehensive medical assessment.
4Reliability
If comprehensive pandemic protocols are implemented, then response accuracy and consistency improve, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pandemic protocol is nested within the existing dispatch system architecture, with the logic tree containing pandemic-specific pathways that branch off from standard procedures. This nested structure allows comprehensive pandemic response capabilities to be integrated without requiring a complete system redesign, managing complexity through hierarchical organization.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided to guide an emergency dispatcher in responding to emergency calls involving a patient manifesting symptoms of a pandemic illness. The systems and methods may include an emergency dispatch protocol configured to facilitate uniform and consistent gathering of information concerning the emergency situation. The emergency medical dispatch protocol may include one or more dispatch protocols configured for particular emergency situations, such as to aid the dispatcher in processing calls relating to a pandemic illness (e.g., severe respiratory infection like influenza). The emergency dispatch protocol may present a pre-scripted interrogation, including preprogrammed inquiries for a dispatcher to ask the caller. The pre-scripted interrogation of the dispatch protocol facilitates uniform and consistent gathering of symptom information relating to a pandemic outbreak. The information may be received and stored and/or processed to determine a determinant value corresponding to an appropriate emergency dispatch response.