TLDR: The KIRETT project developed a wearable device to assist rescue operations with AI-driven treatment recommendations, real-time vital monitoring, and situation detection. A quantitative evaluation with 14 rescue operators in Siegen, Germany, revealed a strong demand for digitalization and AI in emergency services. Key findings highlight the need for lighter, more compact, and easily disinfected devices, improved glove interaction, real-time patient monitoring, and seamless integration of patient data into hospital systems for enhanced reporting and post-treatment care.
In the demanding world of emergency services, every second counts. Rescue operators are under immense pressure to make rapid, accurate medical diagnoses and provide effective treatment, often with limited prior knowledge of a patient’s history. This critical need for speed and precision in time-sensitive situations has driven the development of innovative technological solutions, such as the KIRETT wearable demonstrator.
The KIRETT project introduces a cutting-edge wearable device designed to revolutionize how rescue operations are conducted. By leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), the device offers real-time treatment recommendations, continuous monitoring of vital signs, and intelligent situation detection. This allows emergency responders to analyze situations quickly and provide patient-data-driven medical treatments, even when traditional, time-consuming consultations are not feasible.
Understanding the KIRETT System
At its core, KIRETT functions as a local Internet of Things (IoT) application, integrating various physical medical devices with sophisticated software components. It uses embedded systems connected via Bluetooth to medically certified end devices, transmitting crucial vital parameters and medical data. The system’s ability to provide treatment recommendations and recognize situations in real-time is powered by a specially constructed knowledge graph. Furthermore, the project incorporates a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) for hardware-assisted situational awareness, significantly accelerating the analysis of complex real-time algorithms directly at the hardware level.
Evaluating Real-World Needs: The KIRETT-Demonstrator-Testing (KDT)
To assess the practical utility and user needs for such a device, a two-day quantitative evaluation, known as the KIRETT-Demonstrator-Testing (KDT), was conducted. This study involved 14 participants, including emergency paramedics and rescue operators, from the Fire Station in Siegen and the German Red Cross Department in Siegen, Germany. The testing, which took place between February 29 and March 1, 2024, included hands-on interaction with the KIRETT demonstrator, followed by expert interviews and a comprehensive quantitative survey.
Key Findings: A Clear Demand for Digitalization
The evaluation revealed an overwhelming consensus among participants regarding the necessity of digitalization in rescue operations. A significant 86% of responders identified digitalization as “very relevant,” with an additional 7% calling it “relevant.” This strong endorsement underscores the growing importance of modern technologies in healthcare. Similarly, all participants recognized the importance of integrating AI and machine learning into their daily work, with 43% deeming it “very important” and 57% “important.” Interestingly, despite this high perceived value, most participants reported having “little experience” (57%) or “no experience” (35%) with AI, highlighting a clear need for training in this area.
Hardware and Feature Preferences
During the hands-on testing, participants provided valuable feedback on hardware-related improvements. There was a strong desire for devices that are lighter and more compact (71%), with displays that adapt to varying light conditions (71%). Crucially, 100% of participants emphasized the paramount importance of easy cleaning and disinfecting measures for the device, reflecting the stringent hygiene standards in medical environments. Improved interaction with medical gloves was also identified as highly important by 79% of participants, as gloves are consistently worn during rescue operations.
Beyond hardware, the study explored the need for various additional features. Participants highlighted the importance of extended communication capabilities with other systems or national electronic patient records (57% very important, 21% important). Real-time patient monitoring was also a highly desired feature, with 64% of participants considering it “very important” for continuously tracking patient vitals. The most demanded feature, however, was the integration of vital signs and user actions directly into hospital systems, with 79% of participants identifying this as “very important.” This capability would significantly enhance reporting quality and support post-treatment planning and staff training.
Challenges with Current Prototypes
For the KDT, 3D-printed cases were used for the LCD and FPGA components to allow participants to experience the devices physically. While useful for prototyping, these cases were largely perceived as uncomfortable and heavy. For instance, 50% found the FPGA case “very uncomfortable” and 29% “uncomfortable,” with 43% describing it as “very heavy.” This feedback indicates that future product development must prioritize a much smaller, slimmer form factor, potentially utilizing microchips and smaller battery packs, to ensure user acceptance and practicality during critical rescue operations.
Also Read:
- KIRETT Project Unveils AI-Powered Wearable for Enhanced First Aid in Rescue Operations
- Digital Twins in Industrial Maintenance: A Comprehensive Review of Predictive Strategies and Future Directions
Looking Ahead
The KIRETT project’s quantitative evaluation provides crucial insights into the needs of emergency medical personnel. It unequivocally demonstrates a strong demand for advanced digital solutions, including AI and real-time monitoring, to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of rescue services. Future developments will need to focus on creating devices that are not only technologically capable but also practical, hygienic, and comfortable for rescue operators in the field. This research paves the way for a future where wearable AI can significantly improve patient care in emergency situations. You can read the full research paper for more details here.
