Microcomputer-assisted transmission of disaster data by cellular telephone.
Voice communication of information during disasters is often inadequate. In particular, simultaneous transmission by multiple callers on the same frequency can result in blocked transmissions and miscommunications. In contrast, nonvoice transmission of data requires less time than does voice communication of the same data, and may be more accurate. We conducted a pilot study to test the feasibility of a microcomputer assisted communication (MAC) network linking the disaster scene and the command hospital. The radio chosen to transmit data from the field disaster site to the command hospital was a cellular telephone connected to the microcomputer by modem. Typed communications between the microcomputer operators enabled dialogue between the disaster site and the hospitals. A computer program using commercially available software (Symphony by Lotus, Inc.) was written to allow for data entry, data transmission, and reports. Patient data, including age, sex, severity of injury, identification number, major injuries, and hospital destination were successfully transmitted from the disaster site command post to the command hospital. This pilot test demonstrated the potential applicability of MAC for facilitating transmission of patient data during a disaster.
Wigder
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Emergency Department, Christ Hospital and Medical Center, Oak Lawn, Illinois 60453.
Fligner
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Rivers
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Hotch
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D003195:Computer Communication Networks; D003199:Computer Systems; D004190:Disasters; D004631:Emergency Medical Service Communication Systems; D004632:Emergency Medical Services; D006801:Humans; D008838:Microcomputers; D003629:Modems; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013689:Telephone