A state-of-the-art cardiac monitor/defibrillator device is now being piloted in NSW Ambulance vehicles at Ulladulla and Wollongong stations.
The new device will replace existing equipment that is nearing end-of-life and will help make it safer and simpler to obtain diagnostic data. Paramedics from the two stations are using the new device as their primary cardiac monitor and testing aspects of the hardware. This will assist them in carrying out their life-saving work and supporting patients with suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) such as heart attacks.
Since the pilot began in early December 2022, feedback has been positive and the team are learning a great deal already.
Paramedics have said they like the ergonomic design particularly as it supports a variety of patient monitoring functions all in one device.
The Clinical Device and Notification Platform (CDNP) project will also introduce a new cardiac notification platform to support effective two-way communication between paramedics and specialists in hospitals.
This platform allows paramedics to send electrocardiograms (ECGs) to hospital specialists for rapid confirmation of diagnosis when treating a patient with suspected heart attack on the road. It will also be available for emergency clinicians in smaller hospitals to obtain specialists’ guidance.
The notification system will be trialled as part of the second stage of the pilot, which is planned to commence in Ulladulla and Wollongong ambulance stations early this year, in partnership with the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD).
The feedback captured during the pilot will help to inform the statewide rollout throughout NSW Ambulance stations and Local Health Districts (LHDs). The state-wide rollout is planned to commence in 2023.
The project is a collaborative effort between eHealth NSW, NSW Ambulance and LHDs, in partnership with the Agency for Clinical Innovation and Ministry of Health.
The CDNP program supports a recent ministerial commitment to transform cardiac care in NSW.
To learn more, visit the CDNP solution webpage.
