Laptops taking Houlton’s EMS to new levels

New state mandates require local emergency crews to use technology-based transmissions from the field. Reports that emergency medical technicians had done on paper can now be transmitted by laptop at the scene of patient pick up. There are more than 1,000 reports hand written each year, just in Houlton. All of these reports are now transmitted directly to the state.
    This new technology-based program allows patient information to be transmitted to local hospitals or other medical facilities where patients may be transported. It eliminates duplication of information. Once an individual has been a patient and the initial personal information and medical history has been input into the file, there will not be a need to request it again.
EMT paramedic Mark Boutlier said, “It is not always possible to complete the report at the scene, since our priority is to administer medical procedures as needed. However, by having the software program “Image Trend” it allows us to access information on proper dosages of medication and other important information. An additional component of the program is the Blue Tooth capability that a cardiac monitor can be synced into the report to the health facility. We are also able to utilize time during longer transports to complete reports. This helps us eliminate errors, by getting the information submitted in a timely fashion.”
Both Boutlier and EMT intermediate, Charles Jackman had high praise for the software that was written by paramedics. The tech support also welcomes suggestions for improvements from EMTs that are using this program.
When the Houlton Ambulance Service was notified of this new mandate to be in affect by July 1, a problem arose. It was the middle of the year; the town budget was already in place. The department needed three Panasonic Tough Book laptops. The state would provide the money for one and a half and the software program for one. Each laptop cost $4,000, and the program was $900. Where would the other funds come from?
Fire Chief Milton Cone looked for other sources. He contacted Elizabeth Dulin, the executive director of the Health Services Foundation at Houlton Regional Hospital. Unfortunately, it was not grant funding proposal time for the foundation. However, Dulin took the request to the executive board and with a special presentation made by Boutlier to the board their request was granted.
Dulin states “The Health Services Foundation was pleased to assist Houlton’s EMS with their recent grant request for laptop computers. The purchase of laptops may seem to some out of the health care realm of our support, however, it is quite the contrary. These computers will assist our paramedics with the ability to electronically enter patient data, and have patient information needed right at their fingertips, providing better service to all those they must transport in an emergency situation”.
“We applaud Houlton’s Ambulance Service EMS crew in all their efforts as they consistently perform at topnotch efficiency going “above and beyond” to save lives, give comfort, assurance and now even better service during difficult situations. Given the rural nature of our communities it is imperative that our responders have the best life-saving equipment to give them the leading edge of the best possible outcome.
The Foundation is always pleased to provide grant funding to those who contribute so much to our communities, and Houlton’s EMS is very deserving. We all want what is best for anyone in a situation where we may have to turn our life or that of someone we love over to emergency service personnel. With new and better equipment we can put our trust in our responders knowing that the equipment will help them do the very best job possible. As always, we have to thank our donors who consistently support all our efforts, as we would not be able to do all that we do if it were not for them,” continued Dulin.
“The Health Services Foundation’s mission is to support ‘Excellence in Healthcare’ to area non-profit health care providers, and a great way to remain true to that mission is with assistance in an effort such as this. It shows how much we all care and are willing to support those in our community who are on the frontline making sure quality medical care is delivered in the most efficient way,” Dulin said.