Medical communication from emergency scenes using a notepad computer

We have developed a communication system in which data are transferred from the scene of an emergency in the form of an electronic record on a notepad computer by means of a satellite link (MODACOM). The data are received at the dispatch centre and transferred to the admitting hospital automatically . In a prospective study of 53 emergencies the technical suitability of the system was investigated. First-sight information could be fed into the com puter in 15 s and transmitted within 3 min of arrival on the scene. For 16 patients with life-threatening conditions, the admitting hospital was notif ied on average after 13.6 min (SD 6.0), whereas by conventional VHF radio i t took 35.5 min (SD 8.9). In addition, more precise information about the p atient's condition was received at the hospital.