A state-of-the-art cardiac monitor/defibrillator device and transmission platform is being trialled in the Illawarra and South Coast of NSW as part of the Clinical Device and Notification Platform (CDNP) project.
The device and platform will assist clinicians in carrying out their life-saving work, particularly when treating patients with acute coronary syndrome. This is a group of conditions affecting blood flow to the heart, including heart attacks.
The new device replaces existing equipment that is nearing end of life and helps to make it simpler to obtain a wide variety of diagnostic data. Paramedics from the 2 stations are using the new device as their primary cardiac monitor and testing aspects of the hardware.
The upgraded devices weigh considerably less than previous defibrillators, making them safer and easier for paramedics to use. These defibrillators also perform non-invasive blood pressure monitoring, pulse oximetry, temperature recording and pacing.
Enabling fast diagnosis
The new transmission platform allows paramedics to send electrocardiograms (ECGs) and other clinical observation data to hospital specialists. This enables rapid confirmation of diagnosis when treating a patient with suspected heart attack on the road.
It supports effective two-way communication between paramedics and in-hospital specialists. Emergency clinicians in smaller hospitals will also use the platform to obtain specialist advice in future.
The technology is being piloted at the Ulladulla and Wollongong ambulance stations, in partnership with the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (LHD).
Paramedics have said they like the ergonomic design and that it supports a variety of patient monitoring functions all in one device.
Since the pilot began in early December 2022, feedback has been positive and the team are learning a great deal. The captured insights will help to inform the statewide rollout, which is planned to start later this year.
“So far, I have found the new system easy enough to get used to. I love all the extra info it provides and the lightweight machine, and it already feels almost as familiar as the older technology,” a paramedic participating in the pilot said.
A collaborative effort
The CDNP project is a collaborative effort between eHealth NSW, NSW Ambulance, LHDs and the Agency for Clinical Innovation.
The initiative will eventually see nearly 1,300 ambulances equipped with these state-of-the-art electrocardiograms/ defibrillation devices.
NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan said the new cardiac notification platform would help streamline the transfer of patients from ambulance into hospital by improving communication between emergency departments and clinicians.
“The cardiac notification platform assists with the transfer of clinical observation data from ambulances and regional hospitals to tertiary hospitals so we can provide more rapid and effective treatment to patients with suspected heart attacks,” Dr Morgan said.
Supporting the State Cardiac Reperfusion Strategy
Delivering the CDNP project is a key component of the State Cardiac Reperfusion Strategy and will help save lives for patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome.
eHealth NSW Chief Executive Dr Zoran Bolevich said the new technology provides a platform for the management of a range of conditions and the provision of virtual care in the years to come.
“The technology and capability on offer with the new device and notification platform opens up many future opportunities for NSW Ambulance and the wider health system,” Dr Bolevich said.
The CDNP program supports a recent ministerial commitment to transform cardiac care in NSW.
To learn more, visit the CDNP solutions page.
The news item above is included in our eHealth NSW July 2023 newsletter.
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