Responder Network Server for AED Dispatch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Despite the increasing availability of automated external defibrillators (AEDs), many locations lack on-site AEDs, and even when present, they often go unused due to unknown presence or intimidation factors, leading to delayed response times and reduced cardiac arrest survival rates.
Innovation Solution
A public responder network system that identifies and alerts nearby AEDs and volunteer responders to cardiac incidents, utilizing a server to query device status, send incident alerts, and guide responders through mobile apps and interface units, facilitating quicker access to AEDs and reducing response times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If AEDs are deployed in public locations, then availability of AEDs is improved, but response time is worsened because bystanders must manually locate and fetch the nearest AED
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting cardiac incidents through connected devices, identifying nearby AEDs and volunteer responders in advance, and proactively notifying them before traditional emergency services arrive. This eliminates the need for bystanders to manually locate and fetch AEDs, as the system has already prepared and dispatched the nearest resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a responder network server and mobile application as intermediaries between cardiac incidents and AEDs. The server receives incident data, queries nearby AEDs and responders, and coordinates their deployment, replacing the manual process of bystanders searching for AEDs with an automated intermediary system.
2Ease of operation
If AEDs are placed in locations where people congregate, then accessibility is improved, but utilization is worsened due to unknown presence and intimidation factors
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where AEDs are connected to a network server that provides real-time status information about their availability and location. The mobile application gives step-by-step guidance to bystanders, confirming AED presence and providing instructions for use, which reduces intimidation by making the system transparent and guided.
Solution Approach 2:
The AEDs are equipped with automatic status reporting and location tracking capabilities, allowing them to self-advertise their presence and availability through the mobile application. The system automatically manages the information about AED locations and operational status without requiring manual registration or public awareness campaigns.
3Reliability
If traditional emergency services are used, then professional medical response is ensured, but response time is worsened due to dispatch and arrival delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection and notification actions automatically when a cardiac incident is detected by connected devices. It immediately identifies and notifies nearby volunteer responders and AEDs, initiating the response process before traditional emergency services are contacted or dispatched, thereby reducing overall response time while maintaining professional medical support.
Data Source
AI summary
A variety of methods, medical devices, responder network servers, emergency services interfaces and call center related processes are described that can help improve responder networks designed to get a medical device such as an automated external defibrillator and/or volunteer responders to the scene of a potential medical incident.