A new device for Queenslanders in a medical emergency

A new device will give paramedics greater access to a patient’s vital medical information in an emergency.

Minister for Ambulance Services Steven Miles said the SafeMate program, launched today by Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS), SafeMate and Medibank, is a new digital system housing a patient’s medical and personal information that they themselves have entered online.

“This is crucial information that a patient wants the paramedic to know in a medical emergency,” Minister Miles said.

“Paramedics will use their operational iPads to tap the patient’s SafeMate card or device, and the medical information will appear on the screen.

"It eliminates the time it would normally take a paramedic to ask the patient a range of questions in order to obtain their medical history and other pertinent details.”

Assistant Commissioner John Hammond said every second counts during a medical emergency.

“Having that information at our fingertips, particularly details on allergies and medical history, is crucial for our staff,” Assistant Commissioner Hammond said.

“Accurate and reliable information will enable paramedics to identify the best course of treatment earlier, which will go a long way towards improving patient outcomes.”

Medibank has partnered with SafeMate to pilot the system with customers living with chronic illness in Queensland as part of its chronic disease program, CareComplete.

Medibank Chief Strategy Officer Marc Miller said the health services company is using the innovative technology to help customers when they need it most.

“Every second counts when you’re in a medical emergency and SafeMate will help ambulance personnel give our customers the right care from the start,” said Mr Miller.

Chairman of SafeMate Australia John Azarias said SafeMate’s innovative digital system was designed by, with and for paramedics.

“It is intended to help reduce paramedic and patient stress, time-consuming hospital visits, and costs in the health system, as well as improving patient outcomes and ambulance efficiencies,” Mr Azarias said.

ENDS

Media contact:               Katharine Wright – 0428 957 903