Backpack device will save lives

A NEW backpack device enables people in remote places who fall ill to transmit their vital signs to a doctor anywhere in the world to get medical help.

The machine, developed by a British-based company, measures heart rhythm, blood pressure, blood oxygen levels, temperature and pulse.

If someone falls ill, they can transmit their vital signs by land line, mobile or satellite phone to a doctor who can use the information to monitor the patient and decide on the best course of treatment.

Telemedic Systems, which developed the device, has joined forces with the world's largest medical assistance company International SOS so users can access a network of 2,600 health and medical professionals all over the world at any time of the night or day.

The VitalLink 1,200 is a similar size to a laptop computer and comes in its own special rucksack.

As soon as it is switched on, it gives instructions to guide the user how to attach a number of sensors to the patient's or even their own- body.

If the casualty cannot be moved, the Patient Display Unit can be connected up to a land line or satellite up to 300ft away, while the Medical Unit stays with the patient to continue monitoring their vital signs.

The doctor and user can communicate with each other using voice or text and files and images can also be sent to help the doctor making the medical assessment.

So far 42 units are being used around the world including two which were bought by CNN for its news crews working in far-flung or front-line areas.

Chris Turner, commercial director of Telemedic Systems, said: "This should open up the opportunity for people to have improved medical care in even the most remote places.

"It is very easy to use. It can be operated by a non-medically trained person and, once it is connected to the patient, a doctor takes over their care."

Dr Neil Nerwich, of International SOS, said: "We carried out field trials from a number of remote locations including a North Sea oil platform, a cruising yacht in the Pacific and a factory in North America.

"VitalLink allows the doctor to really see what is going on with a patient even though there are no trained medical personnel present."

Telemedic Systems was established in Britain in 1996 and is based in Wandsworth in London, but also has offices in America and New Zealand.