Sri Lanka's national emergency service launches AI, mixed reality-powered connected ambulance

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

National emergency ambulance service, 1990's Suwa Seriya, recently partnered with Singapore-based healthcare technology provider Mediwave to integrate its range of emergency response solutions.

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

WHY IT MATTERS

As part of their collaboration, emergency medical technicians (EMTs) from 1990 Suwa Seriya underwent AR simulation training at Mediwave. They were able to connect virtually with doctors in the emergency command and control center, monitor vital signs and provide specialized care to patients before they reached the hospital.

According to Mediwave, the EMTs reported a response time of 11 minutes and 38 seconds, “surpassing some developed countries.” According to the World Health Organization, the ideal response time for emergencies 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 sets a standard of 14 to 10 minutes for 95% of emergency requests.

However, not all cities and countries have set a standard time. A literature review showed this Asia has the fastest average response time to emergencies (seven minutes) between the major continents.

ON THE RECORD

“Our national emergency ambulance service has a fleet of 322 ambulances. Our commitment extends to further expanding this service with life-improving technology to make emergency healthcare accessible,” said Sri Lankan Minister of Health Dr. Ramesh Pathirana on the launch of the connected ambulance.