While people such as emergency medical technicians and army medics are true lifesavers, there are times when they could benefit from the resources or expertise of a hospital-based physician. That’s where all-in-one portable telemedicine units like the LifeBot 5 come into play.
Although the device isn’t the only one of its kind, the LifeBot company claims that it is “the world's smallest, lightest, most advanced portable mobile telemedicine system.”
Weighing in at 15 pounds (6.8 kg), it is able to monitor a patient’s heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature, plus it is capable of performing electrocardiography and ultrasound. It can also transmit video and audio. Future versions may additionally include a defibrillator.
Data is sent securely via 4G, 3G, LTE, WiMax, cellular, Wi-Fi, satellite, and/or data radio connections – the machine automatically selects whatever system(s) work best for the given situation. Remotely-located doctors are then able to view a patient’s vital signs and other data with a delay of only a few seconds, and offer real-time guidance to the on-site medical personnel. Multiple LifeBot units can also communicate with one another, allowing for collaborative efforts on difficult procedures.
The original version of the device was developed using Department of Defense grants of US$14 million from the Telemedicine and Technology Research Center and U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command.
Prices for the LifeBot 5 begin at under $20,000.
Remember the TV show "Emergency!"? It showcased many of the latest developments in on scene emergency medical technology. Radioing an EKG signal to a hospital where a doctor could read it then prescribe treatment was a revolution in keeping people alive to make it to a hospital.
This box is a direct descendent of that early system.
Some other trivia about that show. One of the actors was actually a Los Angeles County firefighter. The badges used were genuine LACoFD and that firefighter brought them to the set each morning and took them back at the end of each day. One of the fire engines used was built by the studio to the same specifications as one would be built by a fire engine company, at much less cost. When the show ended it was given to LACoFD which used it for several years, then gave it back to the studio to use in their own fire department. The fire station seen in exterior shots was a real one and the interiors were shot on sets that exactly duplicated the interior of the real fire station.