With “Urgentime”, Samu uses video calls to support its patients

The “Urgentime” tool, used for several months by the Samu in Haute-Savoie, makes it possible to measure the urgency of situations, and to give advice for first aid actions.

Since September 1, Samu operators in Haute-Savoie have been able to rely on the “Urgentime” service: videos filmed during emergency calls on the 15. Communication is done in a few clicks and makes it easier to communicate. processing the 1,200 calls received each day in the center.

“It makes it possible to assess the severity of a patient, if there is a need for a suture in the event of a wound exampledetails Alban Forel, the deputy department head of center 15. In cases of respiratory distress, thanks to the video, we can see if the child simply has a blocked nose, or if he is cyanotic, all blue.”

Video allows for more precision in handling situations, while reassuring victims. “Thanks to this, we can initiate the appropriate emergency means, by sending the Smur, or by advising to go see the doctor. Patients also understand our advice better. The fact that we saw them gives them even more confidence.”

Urgentime also helps guide people on site for first aid, during an emergency where every minute counts. The operator thus advised, a few weeks earlier, a control group of a heart attack.

“The three people present had never used a defibrillator in their lives, I was able to guide them from the installation of the defibrillator until the arrival of emergency services to continue this resuscitation”illustrates Alban Forel.

The tool is used 10-15 times a day. It allows, among other things, not to overload emergencies, while many hospitals are triggering their blank plan because of the current flu epidemic. “Assessing someone’s respiratory distress or a wound allows us to avoid sending someone to the emergency room who can stay at home and take paracetamol.”concludes the department head.

Tags France