title: Integration of information technology, wireless networks, and personal digital assistants for triage and casualty.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to evaluate a portable tool for use by first responders in documenting triage of victims in a mass casualty incident (MCI) more effectively. The tool presented in this study allows first responders to gather patients vital signs, injuries, and triage status in a prompt and accurate way, and enables first responders to wirelessly communicate vital health information throughout the entire care continuum. The architecture infrastructure for the portable device is called Triage and Casualty Informatics Technology (TACIT) and can expedite triage, transport and treatment procedures within an MCI. TACIT was developed by integrating handheld devices, wireless networks, global positioning system (GPS), digital cameras, and bar code scanners with customized triage software. Two MCI initial field trials verified that the TACIT software, battery life, data accuracy, and wireless transmission met the emergency response system requirements. Initial field trials also demonstrated robustness of operation, reduced triage collection time and improved collection accuracy. The TACIT system could work as an efficient prehospital response tool and platform.
authors.affiliation: Medical Informatics and Technology Applications Consortium, Department of Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, USA.
authors.forename: Xiaoming
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Zhao
authors.forename: Azhar
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rafiq
authors.forename: Russel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hummel
authors.forename: Ding-Yu
authors.initials: DY
authors.lastname: Fei
authors.forename: Ronald C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Merrell
mesh_terms: D034201:Computers, Handheld; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D004190:Disasters; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007256:Information Systems / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000458:organization & administration*; D013685:Telecommunications / Q000458:organization & administration*; D014218:Triage / Q000458:organization & administration