Modern Solutions in the Field of Triage Illustrated by the Example of the EvaCopNet System

• Main Authors: Karina Jarosławska-Kolman, Ryszard Grosset
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Scientific and Research Centre for Fire Protection - National Research Institute 2018-07-01
• Series: Bezpieczeństwo i Technika Pożarnicza
• Subjects: biomedical electronics; blood saturation; rescue; Mesh networks; biometric sensors; heart rate
• Online Access: http://bitp.cnbop.pl/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/BiTP-Vol.-50-Issue-2-2018-pp.-74%E2%80%9389-doi-10.12845bitp.50.2.2018.6.pdf

Aim: The purpose of this article is to present the concept of the EvaCopNet system and the results of research on the applied solutions for the automatic measurement of basic vital signs, transmission of received measurements to the calculating unit which analyses the level of threat to life and supports the process of determining the order of medical evacuation.Introduction: In the case of mass events, where the number of victims exceeds the emergency rescue potential of qualified assistance units, increasing the sense of security for both the injured and the rescuers is possible through a monitoring device (marking) vital signs of the victim and sending infor-mation on-line directly or via the UAV to the command post included in the evacuation and rescue process.In many countries, systems of medical emergency evacuation of all people injured in an event are being created and developed. The presented system is designed to support the process of evacuation and rescue of the injured. It includes the following technical solutions: a micromodule marking FT (FlagTag), a radio and organisation module for the Mesh network using unmanned aerial vehicles and a Q-Find victim location module, as well as a software integrator module. The authors described the functions and direction of development of the micromodule marking the injured – FT.Conclusions:Ananalysis of events in which the EvaCopNet system can be used as well as the conducted field tests confirm the validity of the systems’ func-tionality and of the adopted solutions, and also demonstrate its great application potential. The developed solutions and components of the EvaCopNet system are designed in such a way that it can be developed along with technical and technological progress as well as knowledge of mass events that may occur.Implications for the practice: The EvaCopNet system is a unique technological solution, on the basis of which a fully functional evacuation and rescue system can be developed with elements of monitoring of injured people during disasters or natural disasters. The use of the system in real rescue opera-tions will make it possible to decrease the number of the rescuers directly involved in observation of and supervision over the injured; on the other hand, the rescue operation supervisor will be able to direct additional forces to proximate actions in the danger zone. The system is dedicated to entities of the National Firefighting and Rescue System – State Fire Service and the Volunteer Fire Service.