Emergency Telemedical Assistance in Remote Locations

Abstract

Telemedicine is a fast growing and increasingly accepted area of health care. Data sharing, diagnostic, therapeutic consultation and education by means of telecommunications are common in the developed countries and will gain significant importance world-wide, in the years to come.

The structure of a telemedicine system has to be adapted according to the specific local requirements. In the densely populated, developed areas, terrestrial-based communications links will be the first choice. Health education and preventive medicine in the developing world has to be delivered by existing broadcasting channels and tailored to meet the specific needs of the target population groups.

Space-based communications will improve the quality of the early diagnosis, assessment and treatment of individuals after emergencies in the areas where access is difficult. Aero-medical evacuation has to be incorporated as an integral part of a global system of telemedical assistance. The essential medical, logistic and legal requirements of such a system are outlined, examples of some typical settings are discussed and its economic viability is briefly addressed.