Optimising co-design processes in telemedicine innovation-developing a telemedical solution for emergency medical services.

Background: Stakeholder engagement plays a vital role in driving advancements in product development. This imperative now extends to the healthcare domain, driven by the scarcity of healthcare professionals and the pressing demand for effective solutions. Through the application of design thinking and co-design methodologies, this study endeavours to promote comprehensive stakeholder involvement, creating streamlined processes and adaptable templates geared towards fostering innovative solutions for tele-emergency medicine.

Expectations of healthcare professionals of community-based telemedicine in emergency medical service.

Background: In times of demographic change and an immense shortage of qualified personnel in emergency medical services, telemedicine could offer more efficient solutions for better care. Given the community-based nature of emergency services, local communities play an important role. This study explored the expectations of healthcare professionals and volunteers for telemedicine tools in prehospital emergency medicine.

A retrospective analysis of the need for on-site emergency physician presence and mission characteristics of a rural ground-based emergency medical service.

Background: This study aimed to address the challenges faced by rural emergency medical services in Europe, due to an increasing number of missions and limited human resources. The primary objective was to determine the necessity of having an on-site emergency physician (EP), while the secondary objectives included analyzing the characteristics of rural EP missions.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted, examining rural EP missions carried out between January 1st, 2017, and December 2nd, 2021 in Burgenland, Austria.

Emergency medical helicopter operations for avalanche accidents.

Background: In the European Alps emergency medical helicopter services are regularly involved in avalanche rescue missions. How the helicopter emergency medical system best supports avalanche rescue missions is controversial.

Aim Of The Study: To study advantages and limitations of the early dispatch of emergency medical helicopters after avalanche accidents.

Correlation between avalanche emergencies and avalanche danger forecast in the alpine region of Tyrol.

Objective: We investigated whether frequency of avalanche accidents corresponds with the danger assessment given in avalanche hazard tables and with topographic factors of the avalanche origin.

Methods: A retrospective review of official avalanche surveillance data and of medical reports from helicopter-based emergency medical systems was conducted.

Results: Most victims involved in avalanche accidents are ski tourers and off-piste skiers, about 90% are male, and age ranges from 10 to more than 70 years.