[Alexander]

Smart glasses have the advantage of being easily placed on paramedic’s safety glasses so the hands of paramedics are free to continue working while gathering information from the hospital. Moreover, smart glasses carry a front facing camera so a physician at the hospital can see what is happening in front of a paramedics on the accident site and react accordingly. One of these solutions is Vuzix M4000. The M4000 utilizes see-through Waveguide optics with a tested ergonomic design. It also uses the purpose-built Snapdragon XR1 processor for smoother operations and higher functionality.

Based on your experience with this or similar products what are the pros and cons for smart glasses in EMS?

• This discussion was modified 4 years, 8 months ago by  Alexander.

[Maria]

With wireless access to files with the swipe of a finger and blink of an eye, the incident commander views maps that include hydrant locations and floor plans of specific occupancies while responding to a reported structure fire.

The use of smart glasses in EMS proves more a real lifesaver by giving EMTs and paramedics cues on protocols and algorithms in real time while engaged with patients. This reduces the likelihood of mistakes with medication dosages or complicated procedures that are not performed on a regular basis.

The integrated camera serves as an effective method of sharing the scene of an accident with medical control physicians or even provides the ability for doctors to evaluate a patient who may be having a stroke.

[John]

Hi Maria, I do agree with you that there are certain advantages of using smart glasses. Nevertheless, one needs to consider that smart glasses and in particular this model, are rather fragile, essentially having the same feel as a pair of prescription eyeglasses. In order to be able to withstand even routine use in the fire service and EMS, the smart glasses would need some level of ruggedization. Qualities such as providing eye protection, the ability to be integrated with other PPE, such as gloves and possibly even respiratory protection, and eventually even SCBA, make this an exciting possibility for firefighters and EMTs.

• This reply was modified 4 years, 8 months ago by  John.

[John]

I want add as well that it is not really safe to drive or operate apparatus while using the smart glasses. The potential to become distracted by the micro screen is simply too high. There are also some concerns regarding the user’s eye strain over a protracted period. Also contentious is the potential for smart glasses users to violate privacy because of its ability to capture images, video and audio inconspicuously.

[Sandra]

Smart glasses can be successfully used in situations where telemedicine is needed. Paramedics can get advice from specialists in situations where they have less experience. However, it may not be helpful to always use these smart glasses because they add workload to the paramedic in the end.

Another possible disadvantage is staff’s resistance to change due to lack of training. The use of this disruptive technologies must always be accompanied by an increase in the digital skills training of our workers.

Schaer, Roger & Müller, Henning & Widmer, Antoine. (2016). Using Smart Glasses in Medical Emergency Situations, a Qualitative Pilot Study. 1-5. 10.1109/WH.2016.7764556. 

[Alexander]

Hi,

I came across an article about the application of smart glasses deployed to help  COVID-19 first responders: https://info.thirdeyegen.com/thirdeye-healthcare.  According to the producers, the technology can help save lives during the pandemic.

I would like to ask the EMS practitioners in the group if they have been already equipped with such technology and what their experience is? If not, what do you think about possible advantages and disadvantages of using smart glasses while treating COVID-19 patients?

• This reply was modified 4 years, 6 months ago by  Alexander.
• This reply was modified 4 years, 6 months ago by  Alexander.
• This reply was modified 4 years, 6 months ago by  Alexander.
• This reply was modified 4 years, 6 months ago by  Alexander.

[Gerhard]

During a mass casualty incident smart glasses can digitally capture the results from the triage and thus lead to the improvement of the triage quality. There is a lot of potential of using this trechnology especially in combination with telemedicine and augmented reality features.

[Raman]

From my experience, I don’t think there will be much resistance from the practioners/first responders as long as they recognise the added value / benefits for their patients and ultimately reducing their workload. (Unfortunately) I do think there are going to be bigger issues that will need to be addressed before even being able to suggest smart glasses as a solution, namely that of privacy and GDPR. 

[Alexander]

Hi Raman, please check the following article on the application of the technology in the battle against COVID-19 and how the start up balances the benefits of the technology  with the personal privacy. >>  https://techcrunch.com/2020/04/16/chinese-startup-rokid-pitches-covid-19-detection-glasses-in-u-s/

[Ismail Umit]

If the glasses have a thermal sensor,a first responder can take a patient’s temperature without ever touching patients. And they send real-time audio and video to the hospital. And this protects first responders from COVID-19.

[Alexander]

Hi Ismail. Motivated by your comment I did a short research and found out that in deed there is a pilot technology like this. The Chinese startup Rokid pitches COVID-19 detection glasses in US. According to the article thermal imaging wearables used in China to detect COVID-19 symptoms could soon be deployed in the U.S. TO handle the matter with the personal data privacy to technology saves the information locally and not in the cloud.  To find out more, please check the article >>  https://techcrunch.com/2020/04/16/chinese-startup-rokid-pitches-covid-19-detection-glasses-in-u-s/

[Maria]

Hi,

I just came across the information about a high-tech helmet with smart glasses used by the police in the fight against Corona. The helmet is already used in Italy and Dubai. Police authorities in the Netherlands had also ordered the smart helmet for testing purposes.

The central function of the high-tech helmet is the temperature measurement of passers-by at a distance of approximately 2 meters. The aim is to find people who have high body temperature and may be infected with COVID-19. The helmet is equipped with an ARM processor, an augmented reality display in the field of view, an infrared camera and a conventional video camera. According to the manufacturer, the wearer of the helmet is shown the body temperature of passers-by with an accuracy of 0.3 degrees

[Johannes]

Hey Maria!

While I agree with the idea to implement novel technology to combat COVID (we really should do everything we can to prevent a further outbreak!), I am skeptical about that helmet – it reminds me of the early attempts to install thermal screening technology at airports.

Those were only semi-useful. The technology can only be seen as a precautionary measure to identify sick passengers, but it won’t identify the virus itself. There is actually an article about this on our website: https://www.iprocuresecurity.eu/thermal-screening-technology-useful-support-for-healthcare-or-unnecessary-burden-for-travellers/

Nevertheless – I would really be interested in which other technologies could be implemented to combat the virus!

Thermal Screening Technology – Useful Support for Healthcare or Unnecessary Burden for travellers?

[Andrés]

Hi all,

I have come across a study to quantify their effect on the visual function of conventional spectacle frames to check if they can reduce the visual field, sometimes causing absolute scotomas (blind spots). I think it is relevant because head-mounted devices have even more pronounced frames. The study compared performance on perimetric visual field tests with a head-mounted device vs regular eyewear. The device they used created a clinically meaningful visual field obstruction in the upper right quadrant. Defects were induced by the frame hardware design only and were not related to a distracting effect of software-related interference. Image analysis further demonstrated that many people wear the device near or overlapping their pupillary axis, which may induce scotomas and interfere with daily function. But more studies are necessary.

Source: Ianchulev T, Minckler DS, Hoskins HD, et al. Wearable Technology With Head-Mounted Displays and Visual Function. JAMA. 2014;312(17):1799–1801. doi:10.1001/jama.2014.13754