Ambulance Trust trials ‘permanent connectivity’

Through the trial – according to Excelerate – it has proven that: “Cost effective improvements in NHS connectivity are available now and can be implemented within days.” Developed through a 5.7 million Euro European Space Agency programme, Hybrid Connex facilitates satellite connectivity.

According to the company, the successful trial “enabled paramedic crews to achieve almost permanent connectivity in areas where they previously had very little, or no internet connectivity at all.

“During the pilot, cellular connection was utilised in 88 per cent of jobs attended in areas where previously the signal would not have been good enough to achieve a stable connection.” 

Discussing potential benefits of 'permanent connectivity', the company highlighted the potential for “new patient care pathways,” an increase in the range of ‘point of contact’ diagnostic services, easy access to clinical information and more.

During the pilot, four East of England Ambulance Service vehicles operated with Hybrid Connex installed. During operations, onboard devices such as iPads were configured to auto connect vehicles’ Wi-Fi bubbles.