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Tromsø Telemedicine and eHealth Conference 2006:
Mobile system for disasters
An organization named the TANA Group in Russia has developed mobile telemedicine units in all sizes. After many years of testing and adaptation of telemedicine solutions and satellite communication, a solution that can be used internationally has now been presented.
-"We can incorporate the equipment in aircraft, helicopters, trains, boats, snowmobiles and vehicles. But the most popular is a truck with specifications applicable to the Paris-Dakar rally," says Vladimir Gulko from the TANA Group in Moscow.
A truck with sophisticated technology
The truck is large, robust and equipped with sophisticated technology. It can function both as a diagnostic centre and as a communication centre. It can be used to screen a local population in a remote area or in emergencies with many casualties. Diagnostic equipment for early detection of tuberculosis, AIDS and malaria can be adapted to more "common" diagnostic procedures.
-"When distances are great and every second counts, these vehicles can be airlifted to the disaster location. There, ICT and satellite communication are used for gathering information, for logistics processes and as modern mail centres as well as for more well-known medical applications," explains Gulko.
When the infrastructure breaks down
The benefit of such a mobile system is that people can find out about the situation of a relative in a disaster area without having to travel there. Satellite communication makes it possible to phone to and from the disaster location when electricity, computer links and other infrastructure break down. It is also possible to bring psychological support staff via videoconferencing to the area before a crisis team can get there.
Small suitcases with this type of equipment in aircraft can save airlines from having to make emergency landings if a passenger suffers acute illness during a flight.
Think big
Results show that it pays to think big. After 3 months' use of such a vehicle, it has already paid for itself. During the trial period TANA encountered some organizational challenges which had never been discussed before. In addition, means of transport with this type of equipment may be helpful when national programmes for preventive health care are introduced.
Figure: Vladimir Gulko from the TANA Group in Moscow presented a mobile system which can be used in disaster areas and major accidents.
Photo: Jarl-Stian Olsen
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