New Videoconferencing Kits Offer Medical Lifeline

DigiGone, a communication solution provider specializing in secure video transmission, introduced its new remote telemedicine kits for marine, aviation and land-based applications.

Based on DigiGone’s proprietary SecureChat video encryption and compression software, the new DigiMed kits provide real-time teleconferencing with emergency medical service professionals using satellite or terrestrial wireless links, enabling a face-to-face consult between patient and doctor.

The DigiMed telemedicine kits are suited for ships, private yachts, business jets, offshore oil platforms, mining or logging operations, international relief and aid organizations, law enforcement and government agencies. When used with commercial satellite networks, the coverage area is virtually worldwide, DigiGone said.

The portable telemedicine kits are available in three versions: DigiMed Mini, DigiMed Vital and DigiMed Plus. The DigiMed Mini contains a Windows tablet with built-in camera, Bluetooth headset with microphone, Wi-Fi macro camera and power adapter contained in a small soft case. The DigiMed Vital includes the same components as well as an EKG sensor in the same size case and also includes the DigiMed Access dashboard software to stream the device information live to the physician. The DigiMed Plus includes all the above components, as well as other Bluetooth sensors including digital thermometer, blood pressure cuff, blood glucose meter and other medical devices in a slightly larger soft case to assist the physician in remote analysis of the patient’s vital signs. All three kits come with a DigiGone SecureChat teleconferencing software license.

The SecureChat software makes it possible to send encrypted high-quality real-time video over satellite channels or mobile links, using a small fraction of the bandwidth needed for other commercial video services. This makes the DigiMed telemedicine service easy and inexpensive to use on vessels at sea, aircraft in flight or remote land-based locations without broadband wireless connections.

The compact, lightweight, portable kits are packaged in a small-ruggedized soft case for easy transport and storage. Operation is fully automatic. Just unzip the case, flip open the tablet and within seconds you’ll be having a fully interactive videoconference with an emergency medical center.

Using the DigiMed cameras and sensor readings, the doctor can remotely perform a visual inspection of the ill or injured patient and recommend the best course of action. Teleconferencing also provides peace of mind for the patient, who can see and talk with the doctor conducting the interview. In some cases, the consulting physician may be able to prescribe on-site treatment with follow-up video sessions, eliminating the need for an expensive evacuation.

DigiGone offers the portable DigiMed packages bundled with a Digi+Doc subscription to the Maritime Medical Access (MMA) service operated by The George Washington University Department of Emergency Medicine. Resellers of the DigiMed kits may also offer subscriptions with other medical service providers.