Ambulance Control System Developed for St John Ambulance by Ladybridge Systems Ltd Version 1.5

Ambulance Control SystemAmbulance Control System

Developed for St John Ambulance

by Ladybridge Systems Ltd

Version 1.5

What Does It Do?What Does It Do?

Shows state of all resourcesEnsures best response to incidentsMaintains historic recordsPrints a summary of each callAllows multiple controllers for an event

How Does It Work?How Does It Work?

Uses “client/server” architectureServer system holds the databaseClient system(s) are used by controllersThe server is usually also a client

How Does It Work (2)How Does It Work (2)

Server

Client Client Client

But I Don’t Understand But I Don’t Understand Computers!Computers!

To use this system, you need to be able to:Read!Talk on the radioType (one finger will do)Move the mouseClick a mouse button

But I Don’t Understand But I Don’t Understand Computers! (2)Computers! (2)

You do NOT need to be able to:Use more than one mouse button“Drag and drop” with the mouseUse complex keyboard shortcutsUnderstand the underlying database

Ok, So Let’s Get StartedOk, So Let’s Get Started

Turn on the computerLog into Windows (if necessary)Click on the SJD icon

Connecting to the ServerConnecting to the Server

The Host NameIdentifies the server

computer


User NameFor computer security

The host and username default to those of the last connection established.


PasswordFor computer security


SystemWhich database do you

want to use?


ConnectLet’s get connected!


Your NameUsed to identify the

controller.Should be entered in the

same form every time the controller logs on.

The drop down list helps to ensure consistency.

Some more boxes appear...


OKCompletes controller

sign-on.

Setting the ScenarioSetting the Scenario

A “scenario” describes the controller’s view of the event:Common standby locationsCommon medical destinationsThe event map


Name of the event


Scenario name


Display classesDetermines grouping of

displayed resources

Units are assigned to a numbered class. These can be used in any way that is appropriate to the event.


Map classesDetermines grouping of

resources on map

Creating a New ScenarioCreating a New Scenario

Click on New


Enter a new name


Base on existingscenario?

The Main ScreenThe Main Screen


Menu barAccesses functions


ClockSynchronised for all

controllers


Units displayShows state of all

resources


Call summaryShows brief data for open and recent calls

The Units DisplayThe Units Display

Class 1

Class 6 Unit classesClasses displayed in

this column.

The screen can pan over multiple columns for large numbers of units or classes


Call signSorted within each

group


TimeLast status update


StatusUses conventional

colour coding


Placing the mouse over a unit shows its

description and crew.

Status ColoursStatus Colours Idle Known but not active (displayed grey) Green Available for work White Handling a non-urgent call Blue Handling an urgent non-emergency Red Handling an emergency call Purple Handling a deceased casualty Yellow Performing chargeable work

Only Green is “known” by the software

The Call SummaryThe Call Summary

Call numberUnique across county

Red background for undispatched callsGreen background for active callsWhite background for recently closed calls


PriorityColour code shown for

open calls


Time received


Call locationCan include map grid

reference


Call detailsA brief description of

the call


ResponseUnits currently

assigned to the call

Unit Sign-OnUnit Sign-OnPress F9 to display the sign on screen.

Call signIf known, the previous details are displayed

Unit Sign-OnUnit Sign-On

DescriptionTypically a unit name

or vehicle role


Display TextA short text to show on the main screen.

Normally used only for special units.


Multiple AssignmentIdentifies units that can be

assigned to more than one call.


Crew namesUp to three


ClassDetermines display

and map pages


Class ListOptional display of

class allocations


Date/time onInserted automatically


Mobile Tel NoUseful contact

information


SaveRecords the data


This screen can be recalled at any time to change, for example, the crew names.

Short cutsSimplifies sign-on

Raising a CallRaising a CallPress F1 to bring up the call detail display:

The Location box is highlighted. Enter a location and press Return.

Raising a CallRaising a CallOur call is to Gate 7:

The Details box is highlighted. Enter a brief description of the call.

Raising a CallRaising a CallThe call is for a fall with a leg injury:

The Origin box is highlighted. Enter where the call came from. This might be a name, a call sign or a telephone number.

Raising a CallRaising a CallWe have entered a telephone number:

The Priority box is highlighted. Enter a priority code.

Raising a CallRaising a CallThis is a red call:

The call reference number and time of call appear automatically.

The comment box can be used to record other information. We won’t use it here.

Raising a CallRaising a CallThere is an option to change the input sequence to:

•Location•Priority•Details•Origin•Comment

This allows another controller to dispatch the call while the details are being entered.

Raising a CallRaising a CallAny controllers showing the call summary screen will now see our new call, highlighted in red because it is “undispatched”.

Clicking on a call shows a menu of call options.

Double clicking on a call displays its details.

Responding to a CallResponding to a CallClick on the unit.

A pop-up menu appears with all actions appropriate to the current state of the selected unit.

Click on Assign to Call

Responding to a CallResponding to a CallThe unit’s status is updated to show that it is responding to a red call at gate 7.

Responding to a CallResponding to a CallThe call detail is updated to show the unit responding:

Responding to a CallResponding to a CallWhen the unit arrives on scene, click on the unit and select On Scene.

Responding to a CallResponding to a CallAgain, the call detail is updated:

Responding to a CallResponding to a CallThe unit leaves scene. Click on the unit once more.

This time, select Left Scene.

Responding to a CallResponding to a CallA list of common medical destinations appears, based on the scenario selected when entering the system but an alternative scenario can be selected.

•Double click on the desired entry to select it.

•Single click to copy it to the box at the bottom where it can be amended.

•Type in an alternative location.

Responding to a CallResponding to a CallThe system now prompts for patient details:

This box can be updated whenever more information becomes available during the call.

Enter some brief patient details (ASHICE).

Responding to a CallResponding to a CallOur patient has probably broken his leg:

Each county may devise its own codes for this box. It is intended as a guide to the state of the patient. The patient report form holds the real description of the casualty and his condition.

Responding to a CallResponding to a CallThe ambulance arrives at its destination. Click on the unit and select Arrived.

All the relevant status information is updated as before.

Responding to a CallResponding to a CallThe unit calls in to say that they are now clear. Click on the unit again and select Clear.

Responding to a CallResponding to a CallA box appears to enter the patient report form number.

This step is optional and may be turned off.

Responding to a CallResponding to a CallA box appears asking if the call should be closed.

The call summary will be printed automatically if this feature is enabled.

Responding to a CallResponding to a CallThe unit’s status is now green at the medical destination...

Responding to a CallResponding to a Call...and the call details are complete.

What Next?What Next?We choose to return the ambulance to its previous location.

The pop-up menu contains an option to do this.

When it arrives, we will once again select Arrived to bring the whole activity to a close.

The Call LogThe Call LogThe system maintains a log of all activity.

We can display the complete log, the log for a specific call, or for a specific unit.

In all cases, the most recent entry is at the top.

The Call LogThe Call LogAdditional log messages may be inserted using the Add Log Entry option of the unit menu.

“Compose” allows entry of free text.

Other options are shortcuts for standard messages and vary according to the unit status.

Assigning a Unit to a Call at Assigning a Unit to a Call at an Alternative Locationan Alternative Location

Sometimes we may need a unit to be assigned to a call after the patient has been moved to a treatment centre.

This might, for example, be for a paramedic to meet an incoming casualty.

Assigning Multiple CallsAssigning Multiple Calls

Some units, such as a minibus used for transport of non-urgent casualties, might be able to be assigned to more than one call.

Such units are identified in the sign-on screen by marking the “multiple assignment” tick box.

The first call is assigned in the usual way.


Subsequent calls are assigned using “Assign Secondary Call”.

The unit is shown as “Active on multiple calls”.


Use the Update Call Status option to update the state of each call assigned to the unit.


Double click on a cell to update the status.

The unit remains marked as assigned to multiple calls until it clears from the final call.

Using the MapUsing the Map

The system can hold a map for the event.

This is for reference to unit and call location and should be skeletal rather than highly detailed.

Many operations can make use of the map.

Pressing F3 shows the map.

Using the MapUsing the MapLike the units display, the map is formed of pages showing units of specific classes.

Each unit is shown in the colour for is current status.

Italic type shows a unit moving to the marked location.

Click on a unit to display its action menu.

Using the MapUsing the Map

When raising a call, the Map button displays the map. Clicking on a grid square enters the

coordinates of the call automatically.

Using the MapUsing the MapIn the location lists for the selected

scenario, the Map button displays the map. Clicking on a grid square adds the coordinates to the new location.

Onward TransfersOnward TransfersA patient has been brought in with a fractured arm...

...He is now to be moved onwards to a hospital for further treatment. The ambulance has not been cleared from this call and is about to leave for the new destination.

Onward TransfersOnward TransfersClick on the unit and select Onward Transfer.


The system displays the medical destination list. Select the hospital.


The system displays the medical destination list. Select the hospital.

The call is updated...

DivertDivertAn ambulance is responding to a minor call....

...when a more urgent call comes in for which this ambulance is best placed to respond.

DivertDivertClick on the unit and select Divert.

Pick the new call from the displayed list.

DivertDivertThe unit is reassigned, marking it as diverted in the original call.

Raising a Call from a UnitRaising a Call from a UnitClick on the unit and select:

•Raise Call

Raise a call without assigning the unit. Typically for first aid posts requesting transport.

•Raise Call: Responding.

The usual call entry screen is displayed and the unit is assigned automatically.

•Raise Call: On SceneUsed if the unit is already with the casualty.

Whoops!Whoops!I didn’t mean to select that option...

Most unit actions can be reversed using the Undo option.

It is usually possible to “walk back” by many steps.

More About ScenariosMore About ScenariosThe Scenario Manager can be used to create or amend scenario definitions.

More About ScenariosMore About Scenarios

Scenario NameSelect from a list


Map FileSpecifies the map to be

used


Standby Locations

Places where units are often based


Medical Destinations

Hospitals and medical centres.


Use these buttons to modify or reorder the

lists.

SpeedType ShortcutsSpeedType Shortcuts

SpeedType provides short forms for commonly entered information.

Controllers can select which boxes these apply to.

Personal to each controller but shared across the live and training databases.


The controller types “ca” in the details box


On pressing the Return key, this gets expanded to

“Cardiac arrest”

Short forms must be formed from letters and digits and can appear anywhere in a longer text entry.

The SpeedType EditorThe SpeedType EditorUsing this screen, a controller can enter a personal list of short forms and select which data entry boxes these apply to.

Using Display and Map Using Display and Map ClassesClasses

Classes can be used in any way the controller(s) find useful.

Typically, classes are used to separate ambulances, first aid units, foot patrols, etc.

Classes are numbered 1 to 9.


Classes in columnA blank line appears between classes


A single class can span columns. Use F11 and F12 to pan.


The map is also paged by class.

The class groupings for the units display and the map are set on entry to the system and controllers can have different groupings.

The Class ListThe Class List

Holds text description of unit classesStored for system, not per-scenarioDescriptions are shown on sign-on screen


Holds text description of unit classesStored for system, not per-scenarioDescriptions are shown on sign-on screenLinks to optional crew validation


Class Number


Description


Validation(Optional)

Crew ValidationCrew Validation

Allows verification of crew qualification


Validation list nameAs used on class list screen


New / DeleteCreate a new list or delete a list.


NamesPeople in this class.


Add / DeleteModify the list

Changing ControllerChanging Controller

Accessed from the Dispatch pull down menu.

Changes controller name for log entries.

Adopts new controller’s SpeedType short forms.

Entering Call Time DetailsEntering Call Time Details

Sometimes an ambulance may go out of radio range.

Call times need to be entered later.

Entering Call Time DetailsEntering Call Time Details

Screen shows times that are already known and allows entry of later events.

Delayed Call EntryDelayed Call Entry

Used to enter details of calls handled when the control was not active (e.g.overnight)

Delayed Call EntryDelayed Call Entry

Delayed call entry does not record full details of the call(e.g. crew names).

ReportsReports

Crew SummaryUnit StatusUnit UsageCall SummaryCall Response Time StatisticsPatient Report Form Summary

Crew Summary ReportCrew Summary ReportShows names of personnel for each active unit.

Unit Status ReportUnit Status ReportShows current state of each active unit.

Unit Usage ReportUnit Usage ReportShows calls handled by each unit.

Can select data for a given time period.

Call Summary ReportCall Summary ReportShows a brief summary of calls handled.


Response Time StatisticsResponse Time StatisticsShows response times for calls grouped by priority.


Patient Report Form SummaryPatient Report Form SummaryShows calls for each logged patient report form.

The Four DatabasesThe Four Databases

Live – For event managementTraining – For learning purposesMaster – Centrally held for historic recordsExported – Local copy of historic data

Other FeaturesOther Features

There is much more for you to discover...Call pool managementThe wait listChange call or unit priorityChange map or display classesMore log features

Etc, etc...

Documents

Ambulance Control System Developed for St John Ambulance by Ladybridge Systems Ltd Version 1.5