Ambulance Control System

Transcription

1 Ambulance Control System Developed by Ladybridge Systems Ltd Version 2.0

2 1. Introduction The ambulance control system has been developed for use at large events and in the case of major incident call out. It allows controllers to track the status of all resources at their disposal and to subsequently recall operational details for reporting purposes. This system is expected to continue to evolve as its use expands. Users of the system are encouraged to provide feedback, positive or negative, to aid this process. Because the example screens shown through this document have been captured at various times, there is no consistency of a "story" running through the examples. Installation details and associated topics are discussed in section Design Goals Implement a call dispatch system for use at event venues. Provide continuous clear and unambiguous display of the status of key resources. Ensure that calls can be responded to using the most appropriate resources. Track the history of all calls and resources. Produce printed reports of all calls handled Enable reporting of response time statistics, etc. Allow multiple controllers to view the same data on networked systems with dynamic update of screens as new data is entered by other controllers. Allow maintenance of a central database that can be uploaded from the individual installations of the dispatch system. To maintain cross-references of calls to patient report forms. 3. Implementation The call dispatch system is implemented as a computer program that runs on computers running Microsoft Windows XP or later. It uses an underlying database package which allows multiple PCs to be networked together, working on a single view of the system. In such a network, individual controllers see a common picture of the resources but can be given different rights ranging from full access to view only access. Users of the system need to be familiar with the basic principles of using Windows software but do not need any specialised database or programming knowledge. Ambulance Control System (version 2.0.8) Page 1

3 4. Entry to the System The installation process places an icon on the Windows desktop that takes the user into the system. The first screen displayed requests the identity of the PC on which the database is stored and user security details. The details required are: The host system. This is the name or network address of the system holding the database software. (See section 0 for a discussion of network addresses) Username and password. Authentication of users is required for security purposes. The user name and password entered here are managed by Windows through the User Accounts screen of the Windows Control Panel. The user name is also used to determine the user's access rights. On systems using Windows domain login, the user name must be entered as user@domain. System. A server normally holds three versions of the system; a live version for real incident management, a training system for training purposes, and an export system to which data is copied at the same time as it is transferred to the master database. The optional master database is held on a central server and retains a permanent history of all activity. Data from the live system is exported periodically, perhaps at the end of each event. The export database serves as a historic reference if it is necessary to look back at old calls. Once this information has been entered for the first time, all fields except for the password are saved and will be offered as the defaults next time a connection is made from the same PC. Thus, it is usually only necessary to enter the password and selection of the system. If the host, username and password boxes are all left blank, the software makes a connection to a database stored on the same PC using the user details with which the user logged onto Windows. Clicking on the Connect button attempts to connect to the server. As a shortcut, double clicking on the system selection behaves as though the Connect button was clicked. Ambulance Control System (version 2.0.8) Page 2

4 Common connection errors: The server did not respond. Check that the server name has been entered correctly and that the network connection works for other Windows software Connection rejected. Check that the server has the application software installed and that the QMSvc service is running. Check that any firewall software allows connections on tcp/ip port Where users operate networked systems with the possibility of mixed versions of the software, the client and server sides are compatible so long as the first two components of the software version number are the same. There is an automatic compatibility cross-check performed when connection is established. After the connection has been established, the final box on the screen, the controller name, is displayed. This is a drop down list of controller names known to the server. It defaults to the last controller that connected from this PC. Select an entry or type in a new name. The controller's name should preferably be entered as a full name but is not validated in any way, however, because it is used internally to access controller specific data, controllers should ensure that the same form is used every time they log on. Use of the drop down list helps to ensure this consistency. Clicking on the OK button or pressing the return key completes controller sign on and moves to the second screen: The event name is a free text description of the event at which the system is being used and is recorded in each call registered in the system. This text is carried forward from one connection to the next during the day but must be re-entered if there has been no activity within the system on the day that connection is attempted. The scenario provides various default options used within the system such as lists of common vehicle destinations and selects the map to be used. It is typically based on the location at which the event is being held. Different controllers at an event may select different scenarios to give them a view that is appropriate to their role. Most systems will operate with a few standard scenarios related to the location but a new scenario can be created using the New button. A new scenario created in this way may be based on an existing scenario or may initially have no data in any of the default lists. These lists can be modified while the system is running as discussed in section The display classes box controls the way in which data is presented on the main screen. Resources (units) known to the system are allocated to a class represented by a single digit number or a letter. The Ambulance Control System (version 2.0.8) Page 3

5 main screen, shown below, displays the units in columns. Although between two and four columns can be displayed at one time, there may be many columns and the controller can pan through these as described later. Each column displays units from one or more classes. The display classes box contains a list of classes to be displayed in each column with a comma between the columns. For example, entering "12,3" places classes 1 and 2 in the same column but class 3 is in a separate column. The map classes box is similar but controls the classes of units displayed on the map. Again, multiple groups of classes can be defined to allow the user to pan across different views of the system. For simple situations the two zone related boxes can be left empty. If an event uses multiple controllers covering separate zones, these can be used to give some degree of separation of activity whilst still operating as a single event. See section 21 for more details. Clicking on the OK button or pressing the return key displays the main controller screen: The exact layout of this screen is flexible though the information displayed is the same for all formats. Right clicking in the upper portion of the screen displays a menu that allows the user to switch between two, three and four column format and to change the font size. Note that there is a bug in Windows where selecting four columns may not show the vertical bar between the last two columns. Exiting from the application and re-entering will correct this. The split between the upper and lower portion of the screen can be moved by holding the left mouse button down on the border between the sections and dragging it up or down. The entire window can also be resized. The settings are remembered between uses of the system on the same PC. The upper portion of the screen displays the units registered in the system, split across the columns as described above. In this example based on a Silverstone event, the first column shows crowd cover ambulances and first aid units, the second column shows key personnel, and the third column shows track cover units. Ambulance Control System (version 2.0.8) Page 4

6 For each unit, the system displays the unit call sign, the time of the most recent status change and a short text description of its location or activity. The text is shown in a colour corresponding to the unit status. A pop-up box appears when the mouse hovers over a unit to display the unit description, crew names, linked units and telephone number. The lower portion of the screen shows open calls and a limited number of recently closed calls. For each call, the system displays the call number, its priority letter, the time it was received, the location, brief details and a list of units assigned to the call. Units that have attended the call but are now clear are shown in brackets. Apart from the call reference number column, each line is shown with a background colour associated with the call priority using the national scheme adopted by St John Ambulance which was based on the scheme widely used within NHS Trust ambulance services. The background colour of the call reference number column is: Red Calls waiting for dispatch Green Open calls that have had at least one unit activated Blue Open calls with an outstanding action White Closed calls The clock time is shown in the upper right corner of the screen. In a multi-pc system, this is normally automatically synchronised to the clock on the server system. The various menu options at the top of the screen are discussed in the following pages. Finally, the system displays a list of units that have attempted to initiate a call but been asked to wait. This is shown immediately under the menu options and acts as a reminder to the controller. In the example screen above CE109 is waiting for a return call. In a multi-controller system, the wait list is maintained separately for each PC. Ambulance Control System (version 2.0.8) Page 5

7 5. Sign on (F9) The system is designed to allow the process of sign-on to be carried out separately from the call dispatch role. At a major event, there might be a PC dedicated for this purpose at the sign-on point. When a unit signs on, the controller brings up the sign-on screen by pressing F9 or by selecting Sign on from the Units pull down menu. The unit call sign should be entered in the top left box. If this unit is already known to the system, details will automatically appear in the remaining boxes. These can be amended as required. The box alongside the call sign, should contain a brief description of the unit. The displayed text box allows entry of a short annotation to appear on the main screen. This might be used, for example, to highlight a paramedic unit. The multiple assignment box should be ticked if the unit is capable of being assigned to more than one call simultaneously. This applies, for example, to a minibus used to transfer minor injuries between first aid posts and a medical centre. The three crew boxes should be completed with the name of the driver, attendant and (possibly) third crew member or other relevant crew details according to the unit type. Full names should be entered. The screen offers a drop down list of people who have recently crewed the unit. Some parts of the system will automatically contract the names to initials. For foot patrols, enter the person's name in the first box. The tel box can be used to record a mobile telephone number for this unit. The class code drop down list determines how this unit is displayed as described above. The default value is the same as the unit previously signed on by the controller, or 1 if this is the first unit to be signed on. If class descriptions have been set up these are displayed as shown above. The sign-on time is automatically inserted in the On box. If the unit is already known to the system, the previous sign-off time will appear in the Off box. Clicking on the Save button completes sign-on. The unit will appear on the main display of all controllers. It will be shown in grey and with a strikeout line through the text, corresponding to an unavailable unit.. This state is used to represent a unit that is known to the system as being present at the event but not available for work. As well as being the initial state after sign-on, it can also be used to mark units as unavailable during refreshment breaks, etc. Ambulance Control System (version 2.0.8) Page 6

8 Alternatively, clicking on Green To or Green At saves the unit's details and then displays a list of standby locations. This allows the unit to be signed on and moved in a single operation. This screen can be displayed again to modify details, for example at a crew change, as described in section 6. When used in this way, the links area may show the call signs of linked units. Ambulance Control System (version 2.0.8) Page 7

9 6. Handling Radio Traffic In this section, we will discuss some of the actions appropriate to incoming radio calls. As soon as a unit is identified in an incoming call, the controller should click on the unit in the upper portion of the display. This will show a pop up menu of available options, The first entry in this menu is the unit call sign and current status. This is displayed partly as a check that the correct unit has been selected, however, clicking on the call sign part of the menu will place the unit in the wait list displayed at the head of the screen, This is useful if a calling unit is asked to wait because of, for example, more urgent traffic. The unit will be removed from the list next time it is selected from the unit display. The remainder of this menu shows status change options. The items displayed are determined by the current state of the unit. Possible entries are: Assign to call. If an open call is displayed in the lower portion of the screen and the unit is currently green, this option will assign the unit to the call. Assign to call using alternate location. Similar to the entry described above, this one allows a unit to be assigned to a call at a location other than that of the original call. It might be used, for example, to assign a doctor to meet an incoming casualty at a first aid unit. A list of medical destinations is displayed, based on the scenario in use. Assign secondary call. For units that are marked as accepting multiple assignments in the signon screen, this option displays a sub-menu showing the call numbers, locations and details of possible calls for secondary assignment. Ambulance Control System (version 2.0.8) Page 8

10 Update call status. Displayed only for units that are assigned to more than one call, this entry allows the status of selected calls to be updated. Set green at. Displayed for a unit that is not assigned to an open call, this option changes the status to green. A list of common locations is displayed based on the selected scenario. Either double click on a location or type in an alternative. For this, and other similar displays, an alternative scenario can be selected from a drop down list (or by using the up/down cursor keys) thus allowing a controller to temporarily make use of preset locations from another scenario. Set green to. Displayed for a unit that is currently marked as unavailable, this option changes the status to green where the unit is moving to a standby location. A list of common locations is displayed based on the selected scenario. Either double click on a location or type in an alternative. Movement. Select this option to move a unit that is currently green to a new location. A list of common locations is displayed based on the selected scenario. Either double click on a location or type in an alternative. On scene. Displayed for units currently responding to a call, this marks the unit as on scene. Left scene. Displayed for units currently on scene, this marks the unit has having left the scene. A list of common destinations is displayed based on the selected scenario. Either double click on a destination or type in an alternative. Responding New Location. Displayed for units that are marked as on scene, this action allows onward movement, typically from a holding area to the actual incident. Arrived. Displayed for units that are moving to a new destination, this marks that they have arrived. Return to. This option, available after a unit completes a call, provides a quick way to mark the unit as returning to its location when it was assigned to the call. Revise destination. Used where a vehicle's destination changes while either on its way to a standby location, responding to an incident, or after leaving the scene of an incident, this option modifies the destination. The list of common destinations is displayed from which an entry may be selected. Change Priority. Displayed for units that are handling calls, this option allows the priority of the unit (not the call) to be changed. Onward transfer. This option is offered when a unit that is assigned to a call is recorded as having arrived at its medical destination. It allows for the situation where, for example, a patient receives initial treatment on site and is then transferred to a new destination by the same vehicle which has not yet cleared from the call. Selection of this option displays a window from which the new destination can be selected and then creates a new entry in the response details of the call. Clear. Displayed for units that are active on a call, this marks that they have completed the call and are now green once more. This action will prompt for entry of an optional patient report form id number if the unit has been on scene before it was cleared. Stand down: Return to. Stand down at. Stand down to. These three options are available for units that are responding to a call or on scene. The unit is logged as having been stood down and is shown as moving to its previous Ambulance Control System (version 2.0.8) Page 9

11 location, green at a specified location or green mobile to a specified location The last two options display the standby location pick list to determine the location. Divert. Displayed for units that are responding to a call or already on scene when there is at least one other open call, this option allows the unit to be diverted to an alternative call. A list of alternative calls is displayed as a second level menu. Raise call. Used when a unit notifies the control of a casualty, this option raises a call similarly to use of the normal method described on page 12 but enters the unit's call sign in the origin box automatically. Sometimes a unit may call control to notify them that they are handling a call that has originated locally. This option raises a new call and assigns the unit. It is provided as a shortcut compared to performing the two stages separately. Raise call: Responding. Similar to Raise call, this option also assigns the unit that raised the call to the new call. Typically used when a unit notifies control that they have been notified of a casualty and are on their way to the scene. Raise call: On scene. Taking Raise call responding one step further, this option raises the new call, enters the unit as its origin, assigns the unit and marks it as already on scene. This is typically used when the unit calls to say that they have a casualty with them. Change class. This option, which is always available, transfers a unit to a new display class. Make unavailable. Displayed for units that are currently green, this option marks the unit as unavailable for work, perhaps for a refreshment break. No response to call. Always available, this option makes a log entry to note that a unit did not respond when called. Enter call times. Displayed for units that are active on a call, this option allows delayed entry of times for on scene, left scene, arrived and clear. It is intended for use when a unit has been unable to register these states in the usual way because, for example, it has been out of radio contact. Add Log Entry. This option leads to a sub-menu which always contains "compose" to allow creation of an arbitrary log entry to be created for the unit. Depending on the unit's status, there may be additional standard messages available via short cut menu options. These messages are created using the screen described in section Display Log. This option displays the log entries relating to this unit. Display Details. This option redisplays the sign-on screen discussed in section 5, allowing modification such as a change of crew. Show calls for unit. Displays a list of calls attended by this unit. Double clicking on the call number, displays the call details. Radio check. Allows a formal record of a radio check to be included in the log. Change call sign. Typically used at a radio failure, this transfers all details of the old call sign to the new call sign, updating any call that the unit may be active on. Sign-off. Displayed only for units not assigned to open calls, this option records the sign-off time and removes the unit from the display. Links. Shows, creates or cancels links between units. See section 6.1 for more details. Ambulance Control System (version 2.0.8) Page 10

12 Undo. If a controller accidentally updates the status of the wrong unit, this option allows the previous status to be restored. The option is available after most actions and shows what will be undone. By handling the dispatch system data entry at the same time as the radio call, the controller cannot get "left behind" by high workloads. It is best to work with a radio controlled by a footswitch so that both hands are free for typing though almost all actions can be performed just with mouse clicks. The recommended approach is to click on the unit as soon as radio contact is established and then to click on the appropriate option when the message content is passed Links Links can be established between two or more units such that actions for any unit in the linked group are automatically applied to all of the linked units. Links are particularly useful with cycle responders who may be working as a pair but need the ability to work separately at times. The Links item from the options displayed when clicking on a unit displays a window similar to that shown below. The upper part of this window shows the units to which this unit is already linked. To add a new link, enter the call sign of the unit to which the link is to be established and click on Add Link or just press the Return key. To remove the unit from the linked group, click on the Unlink button. Ambulance Control System (version 2.0.8) Page 11

13 7. Raising a Call (F1) A new call is entered by completing the screen displayed by pressing F1 on selecting the New option from the Calls pull down menu. The call details are entered into the displayed fields. The return or tab keys can be used to move from field to field. The required items are: Location. The location of the incident. This can include a map grid reference at the end as described in section 14.1 The Map button will display the map. Clicking on a grid square will automatically insert the map coordinates. Details. A brief description of the medical nature of the call. Origin. Where the call originated. This might be, for example, a telephone number, a unit call sign or descriptive text. Priority. Entry of the priority letter registers the call, assigns a reference number and inserts the time of receipt. Entering a question mark displays the prioritisation grid from which a category may be clicked to set the priority. In either case, once the priority is entered, the call will appear on the displays of all controllers. Zone. When used with multiple call zones, a box is displayed showing the zone to which the call is assigned. This zone may be changed at any time while the call is open. Use the cursor up/down keys to scroll through the zone list or press the 1 to 9 keys. Comment. Optional extra descriptive text. This can be modified as the call progresses. The Exit button closes the call window. The Esc key can also be used for this. The location, details, origin and comment boxes can use the SpeedType system described in section 10.4 to simplify entry. Ambulance Control System (version 2.0.8) Page 12

14 The response grid shows details of each unit responding. Units are assigned to a call as described earlier. As an alternative to the pop up menu displayed by clicking on a unit, the on scene, left scene, arrived and clear events can be entered by double clicking on the appropriate entry in the response grid. When a unit calls in with details of the patient being transported, these can be entered in the Detail column of the response grid by double clicking on the appropriate cell. The return key will confirm the entry; the escape key or the Exit button will abort the entry. This cell can be updated again if further details are passed. Although only the current content can be displayed, the entire history of entries will appear in the log. This field can use the SpeedType system described in section The other buttons are usually only used when updating a call at a later stage: The Add Log button allows a log entry to be added for this call. The Show Log button displays the log for the selected call. The Print button prints a copy of the call. The Close Call button closes the call. This is not normally required as the system will offer to close a call as soon as the last unit assigned to it clears. The Action button allows entry of a short text item that will be displayed in red in place of the button. The call number in the call summary screen is shown with a blue background for all calls that have an action pending. To clear an action, double click on the text and select Clear from the pop-up box. The Call Category may be useful in post-event reporting. Placing the mouse over the unit call sign in the response grid will show a popup box with the crew names. Placing the mouse cursor over any of the times in the call response detail area will show the name of the controller who recorded that entry. 8. Call Actions When the lower portion of the display shows the list of active and recently closed calls, the controller can display the details for any call in the list by double clicking on its entry. Clicking on the call list displays a pop-up list of call actions. These are: Show call. Displays the call. Add log entry. Allows a log entry to be inserted for this call. This option might be used, for example, to record a request for other services to attend the scene. Show log. Displays the log entries relating to the selected call. Print call. Prints a summary page for the call. This is identical to the Print button on the call details display. Change priority. Allows the original priority assigned to the call to be modified. The priority of units responding or on scene is automatically updated. Units that have left the scene are not affected. The priority of a call can also be changed simply by typing a new priority letter into the call detail display priority box. Ambulance Control System (version 2.0.8) Page 13

15 The location, details, origin or comment text for a call may be amended at any time while the call is open. Changes to the location will automatically update the details for units responding or on scene. 9. Closing a Call A call is normally closed in response to a box displayed when the last active unit becomes clear, however, it may occasionally be useful to keep the call open and close it manually later. This is achieved by clinking the Close Call button or by double clicking on the Closed box of the call display. There is an option setting to force entry of a call category from a drop down list on closing a call, however, this may be done at any time. Prior to version 2 of the control software, the list of categories was fixed. From release 2 onwards call categories are stored in a simple text file named classifications.txt in the C:\SJD directory and may be edited by users. Note that this list is loaded into memory when the controller logs in and hence changes may not take effect immediately. The call list in the main display shows a small number of closed calls so that they can be reviewed. The default settings of the system show the most recent ten closed calls and all those closed within the last 30 minutes. If the system has been set to print a report of calls on closure, a report page will be printed. Ambulance Control System (version 2.0.8) Page 14

16 10. The Dispatch Menu The Dispatch pull down menu contains the following options: Select Scenario The Select Scenario option allows the scenario in use to be changed while the system is active. The screen displayed is the same as that shown on initial entry to the system Change Display Classes This option allows a controller to change the unit classes displayed in each column of the upper portion of the main screen and the classes included in the map display. A simple window is displayed on which the revised class list may be entered. The display classes list controls the classes of units displayed in each column of the main window. The map classes list controls the classes of unit displayed in each page of the map. These lists are entered in the same format as on initial entry to the system Change Controller (F10) Because the system needs to record the identity of controllers against all dispatch actions, if there is a change of controller on a PC, this option should be used to enter the new controller's name. Ambulance Control System (version 2.0.8) Page 15

17 10.4. SpeedType Editor The SpeedType system allows individual controllers to develop their own set of short forms for use in the call details, origin and patient details boxes. These short forms are shared across the live and training databases and will be expanded automatically when the data is entered. The SpeedType editor is used to create and maintain the short form list. The main portion of this window displays a list of short forms and their expansions. A short form may contain only letters and numbers and is automatically converted to uppercase in the list though it may be entered in any case when it is used. The expansion is typically entered in lowercase. The system will automatically map the first character to uppercase when expanding the short form if it is the first character in the text or if the first character of the short form is typed in uppercase. To add a new SpeedType entry, enter the short form and expansions in the boxes at the top of the window and either click on Add or press the return key. To delete SpeedType entries, select the list entries to be deleted and then click on the Delete button. To modify an entry, double click on its entry in the list and then edit the text in the boxes at the top of the window as though this was a new item. The Copy from button allows selected entries to be copied from another controller's abbreviations. The Save button saves changes and the Close button closes the SpeedType editor window. The check boxes at the right of the window determine which input fields the SpeedType system applies to. These settings are personal to each controller but apply to all abbreviations. It is not possible to set different applies to rules for individual SpeedType short forms. By default, SpeedType abbreviations are expanded on completion of text entry. There is an option on the options screen to enable expansion as the data is typed. As in many Windows products, Use of Ctrl-Z will undo a SpeedType substitution. Ambulance Control System (version 2.0.8) Page 16

18 10.5. View To Do Items The To Do list allows a controller to raise actions against other controllers (or themselves). This menu option displays a list of outstanding To Do items Add To Do Item Selecting this option displays a window in which new To Do item details can be entered. The Time box allows a to do action to be deferred until a specified time. Details of the action will be recorded in the log. The selected controller will see a flashing "To Do" marker at the top right of his screen. Clicking on this will display the outstanding actions. Clicking on an entry marks the action as completed and logs the event. Ambulance Control System (version 2.0.8) Page 17

19 10.7. Options This menu entry leads to a screen on which various configurable options can be entered. There are two tabs available; one for global options that affect all controllers on all PCs, and one for local options that affect only controllers on the one PC, The global options are: Print on close. Selecting this option causes the system to print a report of each call as it is closed. Raise call before entry of detail. This option changes the order in which details of a new call are entered such that the call is raised as soon as the location and priority have been entered. This allows a second controller to dispatch the call while the details are still being entered. Set zone on new call. This causes call entry to request entry or modification of a zone number. Call classification required. When enabled, a call cannot be closed until a classification has been entered. Retain log entry at undo. Normally, the log entries associated with an action that is cancelled using the Undo option of the unit actions menu are deleted. When this option is set, the log entries are retained with the text enclosed in square brackets. Site name. The system requires a text description of the site. This is included in the call closure report and is also stored permanently with the call so that its origin can be determined after export to the master database. Unit mask. This option selects the validation to be applied to call signs. Several alternative masks may be given, separated by commas. Each mask specifies the valid structure of a call sign such as 2A2-3N meaning two letters followed by between two and three letters. There is a limit of five characters on the length of a call sign. Printer name. This entry determines the name of the printer that will be used to print all reports. The Lines, Cols and margins boxes specify the lines per page, columns per line, left margin size (columns) and top margin size (lines) for this printer. It is essential that the printer is set up to use a fixed spacing font. See section 26.3 for more information. Call pool threshold. The system checks periodically whether the number of available call numbers has fallen below this value and, if so, displays a warning. Ambulance Control System (version 2.0.8) Page 18

20 Closed call display count and period. The main screen call summary includes a closed call if it was closed in the last count calls or within the last period minutes. The oldest box determines the age of the oldest closed call to be displayed and can be used to ensure that calls of previous events are not shown. The local options are: Synchronise clock. Normally, each client PC synchonises its clock display to that of the server to ensure that the time is displayed consistently. This option allows this synchonisation to be disabled if necessary. This only affects the displayed clock. Times recorded against log entries, etc are always derived from the server. Request PRF number on clear. Selection of this option causes the system to prompt for entry of the patient report form id number when a unit clears from a call. Request patient details on leaving scene. To simplify data entry through the recommended radio procedures, this option causes the patient details box to be automatically highlighted when a unit leaves scene. Expand SpeedType as you enter text. Causes SpeedType abbreviations to be expanded as text is entered rather than on completion of the entry. See section 10.4 for more details. Beep on new call. Causes the system to emit a beep when a new call is raised. This is useful when separate controllers are raising and dispatching calls. Query duplicate runner number. Requested for running events, this option causes the system to recognise a special syntax in either the Details or Location box when raising a new call. If the text is prefixed by a code of the form #123 followed by a space, the number is treated as being the runner number. If there is an open call with this same runner number, a prompt is displayed asking if this might be a duplicate call. Note that when used in the Location box, the raise call before entry of detail option must not be enabled. Show all zones in call summary. When using the call summary screen, calls for all zones will be included. The zone number is shown in an additional column. Default class at sign-on to last class known for unit. Normally, the system defaults the unit class to be the same as the last unit signed on by the same controller which simplifies operation in Ambulance Control System (version 2.0.8) Page 19

21 situations where multiple controllers are each managing a different unit class. This option causes the default to be the class that the unit had when it was last signed-on. Used with the pre-load facility, this allows units to be pre-loaded into specific classes. Reverse sort units on call. Causes the call display to show the most recently assigned units first. The default action is to show the units in order of assignment. Enable fast log entry. Allows controllers to generate log entries without use of selection menus. See Fast Log Entry on page 44 for more detail. Show travel lines on map. Draws a straight line between a units last known position and its destination when moving. Display map classes separately for each map. When selected in a scenario with multiple maps, the map display maintains a separate record of the class group displayed for each map, showing the same group as before on return to a map. If not selected, the map class group is maintained across all maps. Use alternative colour scheme. Changes the colour usage on the upper part of the main screen Repaint Screen This option repaints the screen. It should never be needed but is included in case a controller believes that the automatic update has failed to respond to some change Change Database This option allows a controller to switch between the different databases (live, training, exported, master) Exit Exits from the system. Ambulance Control System (version 2.0.8) Page 20

22 11. The Units Menu The Units pull down menu contains the following options: Sign-on (F9) This option is discussed in section Show Usage As an aid to fair play at events where there may be several vehicles equally appropriate to dispatch for a particular call, this options displays a window in which each unit is represented by a line and each call is represented by a column containing the call priority code. The most recent call appears at the left. Using this window, it is very easy to identify the level of activity of each unit. The Classes box can be used to restrict display to specific unit classes Clear Wait The Clear Wait option clears the unit wait list displayed at the top of the screen. Under normal circumstances this option should never be needed View Log The View Log option allows a controller to view a log for any unit, even if they are not currently signed on. A prompt box is displayed for the unit call sign. Ambulance Control System (version 2.0.8) Page 21

23 11.5. Pan Left (F11) Where the display has been divided into more classes than can be displayed at one time, this option pans the displayed classes left one column Pan Right (F12) Similar to the Pan Left option, this option pans the displayed classes right one column Pre-Load This option displays a form similar to that of the sign-on option described above but does not complete the sign on process. It allows crewing details for units to be pre-loaded into the system before a duty commences, reducing the time taken to complete actual sign-on when the time comes Pre-Load from list This provides pre-load capabilities as in the previous option but reads the data from a text file. It is therefore possible to prepare crewing details for a multi-day event in advance and pre-load these at the start of each day. The text file can be prepared using any suitable text file editor (e.g. Notepad). Each line consists of nine comma separated fields: Unit call sign Description Crew name 1 Crew name 2 Crew name 3 Display text Multiple assignment indicator (Y to set) Telephone contact number Class code Unspecified items should be left blank. Any spaces either side of a comma will be treated as part of the data and hence should usually be avoided. Blank lines are ignored. Also everything beyond a hash (#) character is ignored which allows comments to be inserted in the data Unlink all units This option removes links for all signed-on units. Be careful when using this option in a situation that has multiple controllers. Ambulance Control System (version 2.0.8) Page 22

24 Sign off all Inactive Units by Class This option prompts for a call number and then signs off all inactive units in that class. For internal data management reasons, there is a short time delay after each unit is signed off so lengthy lists may take several seconds to complete. Ambulance Control System (version 2.0.8) Page 23

25 12. The Calls Menu The Calls pull down menu contains the following options: New (F1) This option has already been described in section Display (F4) This option displays a list of all recorded calls from which a call to display can be selected. It allows display of calls that are not included in the shorter summary of recent closed calls in the main display. To select a call, double click anywhere on its line within the display Display Call by Number This option prompts for a call number and displays the details of this call. Ambulance Control System (version 2.0.8) Page 24

26 12.4. Delayed Entry (F2) This option allows entry of call details after the call has been handled. It is intended for use at events where, for example, calls handled overnight are logged on AS1 forms and subsequently entered into the dispatch system. The form displayed accepts the call details and then the activation details for each unit involved. Minimal validation is applied as the data is entered. More thorough validation is performed when the Save button is used to register the call. Calls entered in this way record times only to the minute and it is not possible to enter some fields (Crew details, activated by). Log entries are marked by a leading dot in the text to indicate a delayed call entry Find Call by PRF This option displays a box into which a PRF number can be entered and then displays the call that references that PRF Declare Major Incident This option offers to convert an open call into a major incident Show Call Summary This option displays window similar to the lower portion of the main screen. The window can be moved to a second display screen to allow a permanent picture of jobs to be maintained. Ambulance Control System (version 2.0.8) Page 25

27 13. The Log Menu The Log pull down menu contains the following options: Display Log (F5) The Display Log option, also available by pressing F5, shows the complete system log in reverse chronological order. If the log is too large to display in a single window, buttons appear at the bottom of the screen to allow pagination through windows Log for Date The Log for Date option prompts for a date and displays the log for that date. Ambulance Control System (version 2.0.8) Page 26

28 13.3. Print Log The Print Log option allows selective printing of the log. The screen displayed when this option is used is shown below. The log period to be printed can be entered in the start and end date/time boxes. The format of these is the date (e.g. 26/2/03) followed by the time (e.g. 11:25) with at least one space between the two components. If the date is omitted, the current date is assumed. If the time is omitted, all entries for the given date will be included. If the start date/time box is left empty, printing commences at the oldest log entry. If the end date/time box is left empty, printing terminates at the last recorded log entry. The check boxes allow selection of the classes of log entry to be included in the report. The default action is to send the log to the printer. Alternatively, a pathname on the server system may be provided for the report as a text file. The Print button initiates the print. The Exit button closes the window without printing the log Add Entry (F6) The Add Entry option, also available by pressing F6, displays a window that allows a general text entry to be added to the log The log text box includes a pull down list of standard messages defined in the Special Log Messages list of the Supervisor menu (16.2) Ambulance Control System (version 2.0.8) Page 27

29 14. The Map Menu This menu covers display of the event map Display (F3) The Display Map option shows a map of the event determined by the scenario in use. This map will normally include a grid which can be aligned with the grids on other maps related to the event, including use of non-consecutive reference numbers/letters. The map display will show all units in the classes selected for display for which grid coordinate information is available. Grid data may be entered as the final component of a destination or a call location in the where the letter and number identify the grid coordinates. Several windows that enter locations include a Map button which will display the map. Clicking on a grid square will automatically insert the relevant map coordinates. It is recommended that the locations defined in the default standby positions and medical destinations for the scenario should include grid references. The Scenario Manager is one of the windows that has a Map button as described above. For each unit, the display shows a small box with the unit call sign. This is shown in normal type if the unit is at that location or in italics if it is mobile to the location. The box colour reflects the unit s status. As an aid to fair distribution of calls, the map tags for multiple units are the same location are shown in order of the last status change such the that unit that has not moved for longest is shown first. A pop-up box appears when the mouse hovers over a unit to display the unit description, crew names, linked units and telephone number. Clicking on a unit's call sign box will display the unit actions pop-up menu. This is particularly useful when assigning a unit to a call. The unit classes displayed on the map are shown in the window title. The F11 and F12 keys can be used to pan across the defined map classes in the same way as these keys operate in the main display. A scenario can have multiple maps. The initial map display will be for the first map associated with the scenario. The Page Up and Page Down keys can be used to move through the available maps. Alternatively, right click on the map and select a new map from the pop-up menu. Leaving the map display and then returning to it will show the most recently displayed map. When using multiple maps, grid coordinates are prefixed with the map number (e.g. 2G5). If the map number is omitted, map 1 assumed. See the Scenario Manager in section 16.1 for a description of how maps are assigned to a scenario. To exit from the map, press the Esc or Return keys Secondary Map (Ctrl-F3) The Secondary Map option shows a map that can be positioned onto a second screen in a dual monitor system. This map shows unit locations like the main map but does not provide any clickable items. Options are provided in the Map menu and as Ctrl-F11 and Ctrl-F12 to pan left and right through the map display classes. Ambulance Control System (version 2.0.8) Page 28

30 14.3. Map Configuration (F8) Right clicking on the main map and selecting Configure Map or pressing the F8 key while the map is displayed enters a map configuration screen. The items entered on this screen are: Description X labels Y labels An optional text description of the map. A comma separated list of labels to be applied to the X-axis of the map grid. These may either be all letters or all numbers. Each item may be up to two characters. A comma separated list of labels to be applied to the Y-axis of the grid. If the X labels are letters, the Y labels must be numbers and vice versa. Each item may be up to two characters. Alternate positions Determines the alternative positions at which a unit can be displayed if the default position is already in use. This is a comma separated list, each entry of which consists of two optional components; the column displacement (none to use default, L to move left, R to move right) and the vertical displacement (none to use default, a positive number to move down, a negative number to move up). The default if this box is left empty is 1,2,R,R1,R2. Grid label colour Selects the background colour for the map grid labels to ensure best visibility in a coloured map image. Hide grid Intended for use when the map image already has the grid displayed, this option suppresses display of the grid overlay and should be selected after ensuring that the two grids are aligned as closely as possible. Centre labels Centres the grid labels between grid lines. If not selected, the labels appear immediately adjacent to the grid lines. Clicking on the OK button returns to the map screen and displays a small rectangle with yellow handles that can be used to drag the corners or sides across the map. Position this rectangle to the outer limits of the gridded area. Press either F8 or the Return key to adopt this new grid matrix or the Esc key to abort the change. It may be easier to make very small adjustments to the grid position by use of the nudge grid feature. To use this, press F7 while in map configuration mode. The top left grid handle changes from yellow to red. Pressing F7 again moves the red highlight successively to the different corner handles and, after all corners have been activated, turns off this feature. While a corner handle is highlighted, the cursor keys make a one pixel change in the position of the relevant grid border. Ambulance Control System (version 2.0.8) Page 29

31 Entering the map configuration process for a map that already has a grid defined will show the grid rectangle appropriately positioned. Ambulance Control System (version 2.0.8) Page 30

32 15. The Reports Menu This menu provides a variety of reports. Unless otherwise stated in the descriptions below, the report is displayed on the screen but can then be printed using the Print button at the bottom of the display Crew Summary The crew summary report shows the names of the crew of each unit Unit Status The unit status report shows the current state of all units Unit Usage Summary The unit usage summary report prompts for a range of dates/times and then shows the number of calls of each priority assigned to each unit within this time period Call Summary The call summary prompts for a range of dates/times and then shows a report of calls active during that period. For each call, the report shows the call number, priority, date/time received, time on scene, time closed and call detail Call Response Time Statistics The call summary prompts for a range of dates/times and then shows a report in which calls are grouped by priority and response time. The response time is considered to be the period from opening the call to arrival of the first unit on scene. The time bands are: less than 1 minute, up to 3 minutes, up to 5 minutes, up to 8 minutes, over 8 minutes Patient Report Form Summary The patient report form summary displays a list of patient report form numbers and, for each, shows the call number, date and event description. It is of most use in the exported and master databases. Ambulance Control System (version 2.0.8) Page 31

33 15.7. Peak Usage The peak usage report provides a graphical representation of call loading over a 24 hour period. The coloured blocks show the number of units or calls at each priority. The above example shows that the peak unit usage was shortly before 1300 with a total of 9 units committed. The calendar box is used to select the date of interest, defaulting to the current date. The up and down cursor keys can also be used to scroll through dates. The event selection box is normally only relevant in the master database where data from several events on the same day may be present. The committed units and active jobs options select what is to be displayed. When displaying unit based data, the classes and mask can be used to restrict which units are included. The mask works in a similar manner to the unit mask in the options screen. Ambulance Control System (version 2.0.8) Page 32

34 15.8. Unit Usage Chart The unit usage chart provides a graphical representation of unit usage over a 24 hour period. The data selection boxes work in a similar manner to the equivalents in the peak load report. Placing the mouse over a call block shows the unit and call sign adjacent to the block and displays the call detail under the main chart Ad-hoc Reports The ad-hoc report option displays a window in which the user can select to build a report based on the Calls or Units table, including items that are selected from a secondary list. Although potentially powerful, this may prove of limited use without more detailed knowledge of the underlying database. Ambulance Control System (version 2.0.8) Page 33

35 16. The Supervisor Menu The Supervisor pull down menu contains the following options: Scenario Manager The Scenario Manager allows the default standby location and medical destination lists associated with a scenario to be modified. Use of this option is restricted to users with supervisor access rights in order to enforce some degree of control on how it is used. A typical Scenario Manager window is shown below. The scenario to be amended is selected from the pull down list at the top of the window. This defaults to the currently selected scenario for the controller using the system. The two lists are processed in the same way using the buttons under each list. An entry in the list may be selected by clicking on it. The Up and Down buttons move a selected entry up or down the list thus allowing users to sequence the list in a meaningful order. The Del button deletes the selected entry. The Add button allows insertion of a new entry. Selecting any of these buttons enables keyboard shortcuts for the active group of four buttons. An existing entry can be modified by double clicking on it. When an entry is being added or modified, a button is displayed to allow the grid coordinates to be set from the map. Clicking on the Map button displays the map. Clicking on a grid square then sets the coordinates and returns to the Scenario Manager window. Ambulance Control System (version 2.0.8) Page 34

36 The Map name box allows selection of the map to be used. Maps are stored as standard Windows image files in the C:\SJD\MAPS directory on the server. The Save button saves the modified list, making it available to all controllers using the scenario. The Cancel button exits from the window, discarding any changes. The Delete Scenario button allows a scenario to be deleted completely when it is no longer required. A scenario can have multiple maps. To enable this feature, select the -Multiple- item in the Map name drop down list. The window expands to show a new area to the right as below. The right hand pane of this window contains a numbered list of the maps associated with the scenario. To add a new map, click on the Add button below the list and select the map. It can be moved up/down the list with the Up and Down buttons. The Same grid on all maps checkbox should be selected if all maps use a common grid reference scheme, typically when representing zoomed in portions of a main overall map. Changes made by the Scenario Manager will not affect other controllers until they reselect the scenario or quit and re-enter the system. Ambulance Control System (version 2.0.8) Page 35

37 16.2. Special Log Messages The special log messages maintenance screen allows creation of shortcuts to commonly used log messages that will then be offered in the Add log entry of the unit actions pop-up menu. New messages are created with the Add button. The criteria code allows selection of when the message is to be available. The sequence of messages within the menu can be altered by selecting a message and then moving it with the Up and Down buttons. Special log message definitions are shared across the live and training databases. Ambulance Control System (version 2.0.8) Page 36

38 16.3. Class List Maintenance The class list maintenance screen allows a text description to be stored for each unit class. These will be displayed on the sign on screen. The Amb check box determines whether this class of resource is considered as an ambulance for the purposes of the major incident management system Zone List Maintenance This screen allows entry or modification of zone descriptions. See section 21. Ambulance Control System (version 2.0.8) Page 37

39 16.5. Access Rights Editor Users of the dispatch system are granted access rights based on their login name used when connecting to the server (not the controller name). The Access Rights Editor, available only to users with supervisor access rights, allows creation and deletion of users and setting of access rights. This screen works in the same way as the SpeedType editor menu. The user names are mapped to uppercase. The access rights are chosen from the letters at the bottom of the window. A controller cannot remove their own supervisor access rights. For compatibility with previous versions, access to logging is also implied by access code D Copy from Live Database This option, only available when logged into a training database, copies the current content of the live database into the training system, replacing any previous data Export The Export option copies data out of the live database into the exported database, clearing the live database. It also creates a file that should be sent to the database controller for import into the master database. A window appears for entry of the target file pathname. Note that this pathname is on the server, not the client PC. If an installation does not maintain a master database (perhaps because there is only a single server system), the pathname may be left blank which will result in the live data being moved to the exported database but no file created for import to a master database Clear Live Database This option deletes all data from the live database call history and log files. It was implemented to meet the special needs of one user of this application and should not normally be required. Ambulance Control System (version 2.0.8) Page 38

40 Because it is impossible to recover the data after it has been deleted except from system backups, this option displays two confirmation prompts before proceeding. The live data can only be cleared when no units are signed on and there are no open calls Call Pool Maintenance Call numbers must be unique across all systems that will be exported to the same master database. When a call is raised, a call number is taken from the call pool, a list of available call number ranges. The Call Pool Maintenance option of the Supervisor menu allows new call number ranges to be added. It should only be used as directed by a nominated person responsible for ensuring that call numbers are unique. New call number ranges can be added at any time. The Detail button expands the window to show the details of each allocated range (start call number and count of call numbers). The Clear button in the expanded window compleetely clears the call pool and should only be used when resetting the pool after it has been set to an incorrect call number range. The system monitors the state of the available call pool periodically and when data is imported to the master database. A warning is displayed if the number of available call numbers has fallen below a threshold level which defaults to 100 but can be adjusted on the Options screen. The call pool of the training database starts out with calls available and is reset to this state if the training database is cleared Controller Maintenance This entry leads to a screen from which information associated with controller names known to the system can be maintained. At the current release, the only option is to delete a controller. This action removes any associated SpeedType data but does not prevent the controller logging on again in the future. Controllers do not need to be registered before they can log on. The system adds previously unknown controllers when they first appear. Ambulance Control System (version 2.0.8) Page 39

41 Remove Call This entry removes the currently displayed call from the system. It should only be used where a call has been entered in error Remove Unit This entry removes a call sign from the list of known units. It is intended for general tidying up of the database but should rarely be required Edit Log This entry allows log entries for the last five minutes to be edited. It is intended for correction of typographical errors and should not be used to make factual changes. Double clicking on a displayed log entry allows corrections to be applied Sessions Displays a window showing the controllers who are currently logged on. This screen can be used to force log off a controller in the event of, for example, a network failure. Ambulance Control System (version 2.0.8) Page 40

42 17. The Training Menu The Training pull down menu, available only when using training mode, contains the following options: Clear Training Database This option resets all units to their default, signed-off state, clears the log and call data, and resets the call pool to have calls available starting at call Save The Save option saves the current state of the log, units and calls in a form that can be reloaded at a later date. It provides an easy way to set up training exercises that can be recreated whenever required Load The Load option reloads the system from a save created as described above AutoPlay The AutoPlay option allows the system to insert calls according to a script. This option was developed for a specific training exercise but may be of general use. In this exercise the AutoPlay feature was used to replay real activity from a previous event alongside new calls from a major incident. When enabled, the system behaves exactly as normal except that new calls will be inserted automatically at scripted times. A call inserted in this way will remain in the undispatched call list until the controller assigns a unit to it. At that point, the script will control the delay before the unit is considered to have arrived on scene, the time spent on scene, the medical destination on leaving scene, journey time and clear time. If the unit is diverted from the call by the controller, the process will start again for the next unit assigned to the call. The AutoPlay script consists of a simple text file where each line contains the following comma separated items: Delay from previous action to raising this call Location (text, possible with grid reference) Details Origin Priority (R,B,W,Y,P) Delay from activation to arrival on scene Delay from arrival on scene to leaving scene Destination Delay from leaving scene to arriving at destination Delay from arrival at destination to clearing All time intervals can be entered as a number of seconds or as minutes and seconds separated by a colon. Any line for which the first item does not look like a valid delay time will be ignored. This makes it easy to add lines of comment text in amongst the calls. Example Time,Location,Details,Origin,Priority,On Scene,Left Scene,To,Arrived,Clear 10:01,CCC,Ankle for x-ray,ccc,b,0:20,3:50,med Ctr (R),12:43,4:59 17:05,CCC,Gastro-enteritis discharge to Stowe,CCC,W,0:02,2:35,19:40,0:25 Ambulance Control System (version 2.0.8) Page 41

43 18. The Help Menu The Help pull down menu contains the following options: Help The Help option displays a summary of the function keys used by the system About The About option displays software version information Prioritisation (F7) This option shows the AMPDS categorisation chart described in section 23. Ambulance Control System (version 2.0.8) Page 42

44 19. Unit Status Codes Units may be in any of the following states: Grey Green White Blue Red Purple Yellow Known but unavailable (e.g. on a break). Text is displayed with a strikeout line. Available for work Handling a non-urgent call Handling an urgent but non-emergency call Handling an emergency call Handling a body, possibly uncertified Handling chargeable work Most of these are based on the national standards set out in the St John Ambulance radio communications policy documents and widely used by NHS ambulance services. Only the first two are recognised as having special meaning within the software. Ambulance Control System (version 2.0.8) Page 43

45 20. Fast Log Entry At busy events, a controller may find it hard to keep up with information that should be logged. The fast log entry feature allows a controller to create a log entry simply by typing it on the keyboard without needed to select a log menu item. Because this could result in accidental logging on messages by controllers unfamiliar with the system, this feature must be enabled via the options screen. If a character is typed at the keyboard when no text box is currently active for data input, a log entry box appears at the top right of the screen. The controller should enter the message followed by the return key. If log entry is entered accidentally, the Escape key will close this box. If the text up to the first space corresponds with a recognised call sign, the log entry will be attributed to that unit. If there is no recognised call sigh, the entire text is recorded as a general log message. For example, entering CE109 Request doctor would record the "Request doctor" message, tagging it with CE109 as the call sign and, if this unit is committed to a call, the call number. Entering Priority silence declared would enter the text without a call sign or call number. Ambulance Control System (version 2.0.8) Page 44

46 21. Zones A geographically large event might use several controllers, each responsible for a part of the area covered by the event or for activity on a different radio channel. In such a situation, it may be useful to assign calls to a numbered zone such that they only appear on the relevant controllers screens, perhaps including calls in neighbouring zones. Zones are assigned single digit numeric values, 1 to 9. The Zone List Maintenance option of the Supervisor menu can be used to attach text descriptions to zone numbers. The Set Scenario screen allows entry of a list of zones to be included in the calls area of the main screen. The zone list is entered as a simple sequence of digits. If this is left blank, all zones will be shown. Where multiple zones are selected, the calls list on the main screen will include the zone number. The Set Scenario screen also allows entry of a default zone to which new calls will be assigned. If left blank, no zone number is assigned to the call. The zone number may be modified at any time. Ambulance Control System (version 2.0.8) Page 45

47 22. Handling Major Incidents The call detail screen has a "Major" button. Clicking on this will ask for confirmation that the call is to be declared as a major incident. Answering Yes to this question leads to a major incident form in which only the location will be pre-determined: The top part of this screen can be used to record the conventional METHANE data on declaration of the incident. The second part of the form allows up to four RVPs to be defined. The locations of these will automatically appear in the destination lists when relevant. Finally, the form has an area to record the triage counts at up to eight separate locations. The system will track the numbers of ambulance resources on scene and at each RVP and display these on the major incident screen. What constitutes an ambulance is determined by the settings of the class to which the units are assigned. Once a major incident screen has been displayed, use of F8 from the main screen will go directly to this screen. Ambulance Control System (version 2.0.8) Page 46

48 23. Emergency Call Prioritisation To aid prioritisation of emergency calls, the control software includes a representation of the AMPDS headings for category A, B and C calls. These categories are: A Life threatening conditions requiring immediate emergency response B Potentially life threatening C Not believed to be life threatening To display the prioritisation data, press F7. The first screen divides calls into the 32 broad classes defined in the AMPDS process. Clicking on one of these classes will display the corresponding sub-classes as three columns corresponding to categories A, B and C. The escape key is used to exit from these screens. The headings presented by this system are generalised. Controllers should also apply common sense and local procedures rather than relying totally on the displayed data. A copy of the table displayed by use of F7 appears in section 27. Ambulance Control System (version 2.0.8) Page 47

49 24. Call Closure Reports An example of the report printed to summarise a call is shown below: British Grand Prix 2002 CALL Raised 12/07/02 12:49:39 by Martin Phillips Location: Gate 19 Detail : Pedestrian RTA Origin : 247 Priority: R Closed : 12/07/02 12:59:23 Response: Unit Activate By On scene Left scene Arr Dest Clear Crew CE109 12:50:40 MP 12:51:34 12:54:23 12:57:42 12:58:22 SR, PD =? # forearm PRF 1142 CE126 12:52:13 MP 12:53:06 12:54:59 12:57:39 12:59:06 PP, MP = Minor head wound - GCS falling PRF 1088 Log details: 12/07/02 12:49:39 Red call: Gate 19, Pedestrian RTA 12/07/02 12:50:40 CE109 Activated 12/07/02 12:51:34 CE109 On scene 12/07/02 12:52:13 CE126 Activated 12/07/02 12:53:06 CE126 On scene 12/07/02 12:54:23 CE109 Left scene to Med Ctr (F) 12/07/02 12:54:59 CE126 Left scene to CCC 12/07/02 12:55:39 CE109 =? # forearm 12/07/02 12:56:02 CE126 = Minor head wound 12/07/02 12:56:55 CE126 Revised destination to Med Ctr (R) 12/07/02 12:57:39 CE126 Arrived Med Ctr (R) 12/07/02 12:57:42 CE109 Arrived Med Ctr (F) 12/07/02 12:57:59 CE126 = Minor head wound - GCS falling 12/07/02 12:58:22 CE109 Clear. Green Med Ctr (F) 12/07/02 12:59:06 CE126 Clear. Green Med Ctr (R) 12/07/02 12:59:23 Call closed The events that contributed to this example call are described in the following section. Ambulance Control System (version 2.0.8) Page 48

50 25. A Typical Call Call receipt Press F1 (or uses the pull down menus) to display the call detail window: Enter the call location, details, origin and priority letter. A call number is automatically assigned and the time of receipt is displayed Dispatch vehicle Identify a suitable vehicle from those displayed in the upper portion of the screen and click on this entry. A pop up menu is displayed from which you should select Assign to call. The screen is modified to show the new vehicle status and it is added to the call display: Ambulance Control System (version 2.0.8) Page 49

51 25.3. Arrival on scene When the unit calls in, click on its entry in the upper portion of the screen to display the pop up menu: Select On scene. The call details will be updated to show the time of arrival: Request for a second vehicle The incident turns out to require two ambulances. The first vehicle on scene calls in to request back up. Click on the unit, select the Add log entry option and enter text to describe the request. There might be a standard message set up for this purpose Dispatch of second vehicle Following the same process described above, dispatch a second vehicle. This will be added to the call display: Ambulance Control System (version 2.0.8) Page 50

52 25.6. Arrival of second vehicle Using the same process as for the first vehicle, record this ambulance as on scene First vehicle leaves scene for medical centre Click on the unit to display the pop up menu. Select Left scene. A window of standard medical destinations is displayed: Select the appropriate destination by double clicking on it. Alternatively, single click an item to bring it into the box at the bottom of this window, amend it (if necessary) and click on OK. The patient details can be entered into the call details by double clicking on the appropriate cell, entering the text followed by the return key Second vehicle leaves scene for casualty clearing centre Following the same process, click on the unit, select Leave scene, and enter the destination. Patient details should be entered if available. Ambulance Control System (version 2.0.8) Page 51

53 25.9. First vehicle arrives at medical centre Click on the unit to display the pop up menu. Select the Arrived option Second vehicle revises destination to medical centre Click on the unit to display the pop up menu. Select the Revise destination option. The default list of medical destinations is displayed as before. This action will often be associated with entry of a change to the patient details Second vehicle arrives at medical centre Click on the unit and select the Arrived option First vehicle clears - directed back to CCC Click on the unit and select the Clear option. Ambulance Control System (version 2.0.8) Page 52

54 Once a new standby location has been determined, click on the unit again and select the Movement option. The default list of standby locations will be displayed from which a destination may be selected. Alternatively, a destination may be typed in Second vehicle clears - retained at medical centre Follow the same procedure as for the first vehicle but leave it at its current location. Clearing the last active unit on the call displays a box asking whether the call should be closed: Under normal circumstances the Yes button should be clicked. It might be necessary to keep the call open if there may be further activity related to it. Ambulance Control System (version 2.0.8) Page 53