Sri Lanka now has a connected ambulance that is powered by AI and mixed reality.

Its national emergency ambulance service, 1990 Suwa Seriya, has recently partnered with health technology provider Mediwave from Singapore to integrate its suite of emergency response solutions. 

Mediwave's Emergency Response Suite digitises emergency service processes, including the creation of patients' electronic health records using an AI-powered speech-to-text transcriber. It enables remote care featuring the Microsoft HoloLens for augmented reality (AR) and the Internet of Medical Things. Mediwave recently launched the same range of solutions in Malaysia.

WHY IT MATTERS

As part of their collaboration, emergency medical technicians (EMTs) of 1990 Suwa Seriya underwent AR simulation training with Mediwave. They were able to connect virtually with physicians at the emergency command and control centre, monitor vital signs, and provide specialised care to patients before reaching the hospital. 

According to Mediwave, the EMTs posted a response time of 11 minutes and 38 seconds, "surpassing some developed countries." The ideal emergency response time, as far as the World Health Organization is concerned, is less than eight minutes. In the United States, a law sets a standard response time of 10 minutes in urban areas and 30 minutes in rural areas. In London, a regulation states a 14-10 minute standard for 95% of emergency requests. 

However, not all cities and countries have set a standard time. One literature review found that Asia has the fastest median emergency response time (seven minutes) among major continents. 

ON THE RECORD

"Our national emergency ambulance service operates a fleet of 322 ambulances. Our commitment extends to expanding this service further with life-enhancing technology to make emergency healthcare accessible," Sri Lanka Health Minister Dr Ramesh Pathirana commented on the connected ambulance launch.