DRF Luftrettung introduces NIDA documentation solution
German air ambulance service DRF Luftrettung has introduced new onboard software for the digital documentation of patient and mission-specific data, in partnership with medDV GmbH
The solution, called NIDA, was introduced at the beginning of August, and allows crew to document all medical information on the go at any time, evaluate it through detailed analysis tools, and transmit it to clinics, hospitals and dispatch centers, ahead of further treatment for the patient.
The system also removes the need to fill in additional operational protocols on paper and transcribe them to PC. Instead, all protocols are available digitally, and as needed as a paper printout.
The solution employs a dedicated tablet computer known as the NIDApad, which is used to record and communicate data:
- 11.6” widescreen multitouch HD display (1,920x1,080)
- A 128GB solid state drive memory
- Front and rear cameras with autofocus and QR/bar code recognition
- WLAN, Bluetooth, RFID/NFC, USB, GPS and Ethernet connectivity
- Integrated loudspeakers and microphone
- 2 LTE modems with 2 SIM card slots
- Two rechargeable, ‘hot swappable’ lithium batteries with accompanying charging stations
- A ‘fall-resistant’, waterproof case.
Significant process and time advantages
According to Bernd Zimmer, Project Manager of the NIDA’s introduction, the system will ‘result in significant process and time advantages’, allowing data to be analyzed and compared more comprehensively, and enabling medical staff on the ground to provide support while the patient is still in transit.
“Due to its special extension to include certain types of application such as winch inserts, therapy procedures and medical devices specially used by DRF Air Rescue, the software is unique to date,” Zimmer continued. “Our aim is to always offer people in need the fastest and highest quality medical care currently possible. That is why we are continuously developing air rescue and setting new standards – also in the field of digital documentation.”
This includes the ability to document cardiopulmonary support, such as ECMO, as well as the use of mobile sonography devices and blood transfusion equipment. The system is also compatible for use with night vision goggles.
DRF Luftrettung received 19,791 alerts nationwide between January and June 2022 according to its latest half-year review – of which a fifth were due to cardiac arrests.