NEMSIS Recognizes ImageTrend Customers Minnesota and New Hampshire as Technology Leaders
LAKEVILLE, Minn., - The National Emergency Medical Services Information System (NEMSIS) presented plaques to Minnesota, represented by Mary Hedges and Bob Norlen, and New Hampshire, represented by Sue Prentiss and Fred von Recklinghausen, in recognition of their efforts to promote EMS through technology. Minnesota and New Hampshire are the first and second states to submit emergency EMS data to the NEMSIS national repository, demonstrating that they are leaders in electronic emergency data systems at a statewide level. Minnesota and New Hampshire’s centralized data repositories are both based upon the ImageTrend EMS State Bridge system which has currently been adopted by eight states.
The Minnesota State Ambulance Reporting system (MNSTAR) was implemented in 2001 and achieved 100% data submission from every service in Minnesota to MNSTAR by April 2003. MNSTAR has proven itself as an effective method for EMS to gather and store statewide data, since its web-based online patient care report and open data file format allows for all services, rural or metro, to submit data from anywhere at anytime via the internet. The system also supports query and data exports to other important databases, such as NEMSIS, the Crash Outcomes Data Evaluation System (CODES) at the Department of Public Safety and the Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Registry at the Department of Health. These functions are paramount to completing the overall picture of emergency response and needs.
“It is quite an honor to receive this recognition for being the first state to regularly submit data to the new National EMS data base. Much effort has gone into making the Minnesota State Ambulance Reporting System (MNSTAR) a success in collecting and reporting meaningful EMS data on a statewide basis. We could not have achieved this distinction without the commitment from our staff and those providers who knew the importance of this project.” - Mary F. Hedges, Executive Director, Minnesota Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board
The Trauma and EMS Information System (TEMSIS) was implemented by the state of New Hampshire in an ongoing effort to improve the state's monitoring and evaluation of its EMS program. The goal of TEMSIS was to create a system with highly integrated functionality to better assess and understand the factors affecting emergencies and the care guidelines developed to address those emergencies.
“We are very proud of the cooperation we have received from our providers in this initiative. Although adjustments were required, the providers have been very supportive and willing to learn. Our concept has been successful, since we have tried to focus on what the 4,700 EMS providers in the State of New Hampshire need.“ - Fred von Recklinghausen PhD (c), MPA, NREMT-P, New Hampshire Bureau of EMS
With the standardized NEMSIS dataset, other states are beginning to implement centralized systems in order to submit their state’s data to the NEMSIS database. NEMSIS will be giving recognition to the first 15 states to submit data. The intent is to use this information to impact public health care procedures and response times. This will be accomplished by focusing on the three primary goals and objectives of NEMSIS, which are: to implement an electronic EMS documentation system in every local EMS system; to implement a state EMS information system in every state and territory; and to implement a national EMS database. Currently, 48 states are participants through a Memorandum of Understanding.
About ImageTrend, Inc.
ImageTrend, Inc. is an innovative software company in Lakeville, MN devoted to bringing cutting-edge technology to the forefront of business and emergency medical providers. ImageTrend’s award-winning applications contribute to their ranking as one of Minnesota’s fastest growing technology companies three years running and among the top 500 in the nation according to Deloitte Technology awards. ImageTrend combines business analysis, creative design and database-driven architecture with sophisticated development standards to provide tomorrow’s solutions today.