Implementing RFID technology in a novel triage system during a simulated mass casualty situation.
The purpose of this study is to determine the applicability of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology and commercial cellular networks to provide an online triage system for handling mass casualty situations. This was tested by a using a pilot system for a simulated mass casualty situation during a military field exercise. The system proved to be usable. Compared to the currently used system, it also dramatically improves the general view of mass casualty situations and enhances medical emergency readiness in a military medical setting. The system can also be adapted without any difficulties by the civilian sector for the management of mass casualty disasters.
Jokela
Jorma
J
Centre for Military Medicine, Finnish Defence Forces, P.O. Box 2, 15701 Lahti, Finland. jorma.jokela@mil.fi
Simons
Tomi
T
Kuronen
Pentti
P
Tammela
Juha
J
Jalasvirta
Pertti
P
Nurmi
Jouni
J
Harkke
Ville
V
Castrén
Maaret
M
D004581:Electronics; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005387:Finland; D006801:Humans; D054527:Mass Casualty Incidents; D016544:Patient Simulation; D011846:Radio Waves; D012984:Software; D014218:Triage / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration*