By Sean Carson, EMS1 staff
The recent integration of MedaPoint’s AdvanceDispatch and Tom Tom’s Telematics WEBFLEET aims to better track and respond to emergency calls by placing all patient information, navigational tools, and communication in a signal digital environment.
AdvanceDispatch’s display is based on a map provided by search engine BING. Dispatchers, EMTs, and patient facilities can view this display on any computer or mobile device.
From one screen, a dispatcher can view both patient and vehicle locations and then initiate a trip. EMTs then have immediate access to instructions, directions, and patient care information from their mobile devices. This data, along with any updates, is sent via, text, sms, email or voice mail. EMTs can then acknowledge the assignment and communicate with dispatch through the same device, according to MedaPoint.
Facilities are also notified of expected arrival times and can track the vehicle much like FedEx allows customers to track packages. Patients can then be prepared for transport based on specific instructions.
Much of the tracking is handled through WEBFLEET, which updates travel time and mileage in real-time based on fluctuating traffic conditions. This information allows the software to more precisely identify when a vehicle will be at the scene.
For example, after a dispatcher schedules a trip, the crew, patient and facility are simultaneously aware of where the crew is and when they will arrive. If there is a delay, the system will automatically notify all parties and update accordingly.
Setup and Support
MedaPoint’s Tricia Barendregt explained how the company is intent on providing support during implementation and use of AdvanceDispatch.
“From contract signing to go-live takes five business days,” Barendregt said. “This includes implementation and training. Software is configured to meet each client’s specific needs and users are trained on how to use it in that context.”
Pricing
AdvanceDispatch’s pricing structure breaks it down into two parts:
An annual base rate ranges from $4,000 to $18,000 depending upon the size of the organization and includes implementation, training, support and upgrades.
There is also a usage fee based either on a per transport basis or a monthly flat fee. This ranges from $0.79 to $0.99 depending on the number of annual transports.