New software to be a big timesaver for paramedics

Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) operational supervisors now have a new tool to help load-share patients between hospitals and enhance time-critical decision making while on the move.

Community Safety Minister Jack Dempsey today launched the Integrated Real-Time Operational Ambulance Management (iRoam) software which will provide a number of benefits which would be quickly felt throughout the QAS.

“iROAM provides QAS supervisors and managers the technology to efficiently monitor and manage demand for service from a mobile computing device such as an iPad,” Mr Dempsey said. 

“Developed entirely in-house by the QAS, iRoam allows the QAS to better load-share patients between hospitals as recommended by the recently released Metropolitan Emergency Department Access Initiative report and will enhance the interface between QAS and Queensland Health.”

Mr Dempsey said the details that could be viewed included: current cases, cases waiting in the queue, case details, the number of units currently enroute to hospitals, the location of all units whether they are assigned to a case or not, current response times, current demand on all case categories, and current incident to response ratio.

“iRoam will ensure operations supervisors are able to deploy the closest ambulance in an emergency and direct paramedics to the nearest hospital with the shortest waiting time which could potentially save lives,” he said.

“Queensland already has a world class ambulance service and with iRoam in place, Queenslanders are set to see an even more efficient and effective QAS.”

QAS Commissioner Russell Bowles said the technology was the result of extensive consultation with operational staff who thought a new system would be of great benefit to all involved.

“iROAM was developed in response to feedback from supervisors and managers and provides up-to-date information to make more informed decisions around deployment and resourcing issues,” Mr Bowles said.

“It provides the ability to drill into incident-level activities and design strategies to manage demand and optimise operational response performance.

“Regional Operations Supervisors have been provided with an iPad so they are able to use iROAM anywhere at anytime.”

[ENDS] 16 October 2012

Media Contact: Danny Donald 0439 719 116 or Lea Emery 0417 226 114