A new portable telemedicine device has been developed enabling medics to monitor vital signs and communicate with other medics. The device developed by UK-based Remote Diagnostic Technologies (RDT) with the support of the European Space Agency (ESA), offers a lifeline even to the remotest areas on Earth via satellite communications.
The device called Tempus Pro is a fully certified medical device that combines the diagnostic facilities found in standard hospitals enabling vital signs to be monitored using two way communications. The device is packaged in a compact, robust, and highly portable unit that can be tailored to user needs and small enough to be held in one hand.
Tempus Pro has GSM (3G), GPS, WI-FI, Bluetooth, and Ethernet connectivity and can use VSAT to exchange voice, video, medical data, and GPS positioning. Also, various external devices can be connected such as a digital stethoscopes, video laryngoscopes, contact temperature sensors, electrocardiogram leads, and USB ultrasound probe.
Tempus Pro has the ability to document and share all patient data electronically to ensure that all care providers have accurate information on patient injuries, therapies, vital signs, drugs, and fluids that can be sent ahead of the patient’s arrival at the hospital or to the next level of care.
Teaming up with the French firm International SOS, RDT deployed the device in real-life situations under rugged conditions, over a six week period in Algeria and Nigeria. International SOS is able to provide medical and security services via a network of assistance centers staffed by doctors, nurses, and specialist call handlers.
RDT offers a less advanced model called Tempus IC which is usually bought by airlines and cruise ships where it can be used in medical emergencies by non-medical staff. However, the new Tempus Pro unit was designed expressly or medical professionals, both in the civilian and military world.
The Tempus Pro has been CE Marked and 510k cleared to market by the FDA. For more information, go to www.rdtltd.com.