RDT

http://www.thenational.ae/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100819/NATIONAL/708189933/1040/GLOBALBRIEFING

Tempus IC Professional is a new vital signs monitor that, through numerous capabilities not available on any other patient monitor, can improve outcomes.

To be demonstrated at ATACCC (the Department of Defences’ (DOD) premier scientific meeting), the monitor is ground-breaking in terms of size, weight, robustness, ease of use and medical capabilities.

Outcomes can be improved though the system’s powerful P2P data sharing capability, in real-time and/or post event, from the field medic through to the CSH.

Its unique, modular and flexible plug and play architecture will enable it to provide numerous optional capabilities that are currently under development and expected to be FDA cleared to market by Q2 2011, such as ultrasound – to support the FAST exam - and the semi automated collection and distribution of key casualty data via electronic versions of records, such as the TC3 card. Optional real-time communications, including voice and video, with all of these additional capabilities will be integrated on the small and compact core unit.

Because the platform is designed to communicate with other devices, run other applications and import and export data easily, the monitor can evolve to meet changing requirements. This significantly reduces the amount and complexity of equipment that needs to be carried and provides ground-breaking levels of information for front-line medics and to all levels of staff through the echelons of care, making it a true force multiplier.

Comments Graham Murphy, CEO of RDT who have designed and developed the unit with military user input: “Military medical personnel have been demanding a vital signs monitor that delivers more than just vital signs. Tempus IC Professional is the only monitor that offers a range of capabilities with real-time and post event record of care collection and sharing on a flexible interface in such a small, light and robust package”.

Tempus technology is already helping save civilian lives and the US army has trialled and accepted the system with leading force groups. It is playing a key part in development projects involving the Telemedicine and Advanced Research Center (TATRC) and the US Joint Forces Command (JFCOM).

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3 years of collaborative activity between ESA and RDT, aimed at identifying suitable solutions to the provision of sustainable satellite-enabled telemedicine services for the commercial aviation market, is demonstrating commercial success with the recent announcement by Etihad Airways of its decision to install new state-of-the-art technology Tempus IC onboard health monitoring system on its long-haul and ultra long-haul aircraft.

Tempus IC can monitor the condition of passengers who display signs of illness in-flight that might require immediate medical attention. It is designed to enable non-medical users, such as cabin crew, to gather vital information about a passenger’s health quickly and efficiently, by monitoring and transmitting to a ground-based response centre vital signs routinely measured in an Emergency Room - including blood pressure, temperature, glucometry and 12-lead electrocardiogram. The crew will be able to simultaneously talk to and send clinical-quality data along with still pictures and moving video to a ground-based medical team of experts specialised in assisting in-flight medical contingencies for diagnosis and support.

Pierluigi Mancini, ESA, Head of the Awareness Activities and Feasibility Studies Division of the Integrated Applications Promotion programme adds: “The objective of the activity was to develop and validate a system that enables airlines to manage in-flight medical emergencies more effectively and to reduce the number of costly unnecessary medical diversions.  With the emergence of ultra long-haul aircraft such as the A380, this kind of technology is really the only way forward to contain the component of risk that an in-flight medical incident presents, not just for the airline but for the passenger as well. The combination of medical data with the ability to actually see and talk to a patient and crew is a real breakthrough.”

Graham Murphy, CEO of RDT, the company that designed and manufactures the ground-breaking medical device, comments, “With the rise of larger aircraft and lower air-fares, the number of people of all ages travelling by air is increasing. As a result, the probability of a medical emergency occurring in-flight has risen and the pilot will often divert the flight to the nearest airport where medical attention can be provided. Commercial airlines are interested in telemedicine technology as a tool to improve medical provision for customers as well as to support their staff and crew. In simple terms, better diagnosis that enables a diversion to be avoided is of direct benefit to the airline and its passengers.”

Mancini continues “ESA has been active in the field of satellite-delivered telemedicine for a number of years and this development addresses the use of telemedicine in support of the management of medical emergencies onboard commercial airlines. By investing in new applications ESA acts as a catalyst for European industry to develop and exploit innovative services and markets while, at the same time, fostering and organizing user demand to gain the critical mass necessary to sustain those services.  We are extremely pleased with the sustainable service resulting from this project and look forward to further developments.” 

http://iap.esa.int/news/TEMPUS-etihadairways

Graham Murphy was interviewed by the Economist on the future capabilities of Tempus IC.  Below is the link the article which is currently the lead story in the technology section of the Economist website.

http://www.economist.com/node/16312281

Debut MedAire-RDT Medical Course Gets ‘Real’ During Onsite Emergency

May – Integrated medical and vital sign Tempus IC training has been introduced jointly by MedAire and Remote Diagnostic Technologies, Ltd. (RDT), for clients equipped with RDT’s life-saving remote medical monitor. This new option combines MedAire’s annual medical training course Management of In-flight Illness and Injury and RDT’s Tempus IC recurrent training into a single class taught by a MedAire medical instructor.

During the inaugural April integrated course in Savannah, Ga., MedAire Medical Instructor Don Lamb was asked to come to the scene of a collapsed male in another classroom. Recounts Lamb, “Someone ran into our training room and said ‘Don—we need you! Bring everything!’” He then took the Tempus IC, an automated external defibrillator (AED) and a MedAire medical kit to perform the initial patient assessment.

Using his 21 years’ emergency medical services (EMS) experience and 13 years as a flight crew medic, Lamb used the Tempus IC unit to monitor the patient’s vital signs, including blood pressure, pulse oximetry and capnometry. “At first I thought he was a diabetic, until I noticed an outbreak of hives on his face,” he explains. “It turns out he is allergic to wheat and he had a sandwich with wheat bread for lunch.”

After initial assessment, when it was determined the patient was stable, a pilot from Lamb’s course captured vital signs and placed the patient on oxygen. At that time, local EMS arrived, transported the patient to the hospital, treated him and released him later that night.

Designed for use by non-medical users, Tempus IC is a comprehensive telemedicine device that transmits clinical vital signs data, voice and video to MedAire’s MedLink Global Response Center to support medical analysis.

“This real-life scenario clearly illustrates the power of integrated annual training from a medical professional, and having the right technology and skills to respond with confidence during a medical emergency,” says Grant Jeffery, MedAire CEO.

"Our organisations are already highly integrated technically and operationally,” confirms RDT CEO Graham Murphy, “so it makes absolute sense to integrate with MedAire’s 20-plus years of training capabilities.”

RDT is returning to EBACE 2010 after a strong 18 months of sales of their pioneering device, Tempus IC™.  

Tempus IC is a comprehensive telemedicine device designed for use by non medical personnel, typically in locations where access to healthcare of an international standard is otherwise not available, and functions even in flight.  The simple and easy to use system provides appropriate medical advice to non-medical first responders in both across the range of medical emergencies. The device transmits a combination of clinical vital signs data, voice and video information, to support medical analysis at MedAire’s call center. The expert advice is received in real time where care is being delivered, so helping to expedite required actions in case of a real emergency, as well as providing reassurance and minimizing stress.

With over 600 units now in the market, over one third of which are on business jets, RDT will be demonstrating the Tempus IC on stand 1567; Tempus IC will also be demonstrated on RDT’s medical response centre partner MedAire’s stand 1425, so doubling the impact. “MedAire offers the 24/7 clinical support service that the majority of Tempus customers use. There is a high degree of synergy between our product and MedAire’s services which are, we believe, the best in class, so it makes sense to increase the interaction between both companies at EBACE 2010,” says RDT’s Roz Thomas, Head of Sales and Marketing.

The majority of recent sales have come from Europe and the Middle East. Relationships with, for example, Dassault and Lufthansa Technik, whose strategy of offering high quality, high technology innovation to their airline, VIP and business jet customers, have helped to raise the technology’s profile.  “Clients are driven to purchase because of the extra level of medical security the product offers,” says Thomas.

“Clients in the business aviation industry are highly sophisticated, and with private jets flying further, for longer and to increasingly remote places, the benefits of Tempus IC in delivering the highest quality of medical care are now stronger than ever. Our business aviation market continues to grow and is a very important part of RDT’s customer base. We have also seen expansion in the complementary luxury yachting sector, where clients value the benefits of medical security when out at sea,” confirms Thomas.

Demonstrating their commitment to the business aviation sector RDT will be offering EBACE 2010 clients a special price for any purchases generated as a result of the conference, available to customers who confirm an order by 21^st May, 2010.

To find out more about RDT and its existing technology visit www.rdtltd.com

EBACE 2010 media contact:

Emerald Media

Jane Stanbury/Alison Chambers

+44 (0)1962 736600

jane@emeraldmedia.co.uk

alison@emeraldmedia.co.uk 

“We are very excited about attending the Antibes Yacht show which kicks off another year of shows for us, especially on the back of a very busy and successful winter period.  The Antibes Yacht Show is a great opportunity for RDT and Tempus IC to strengthen its position in the maritime market” says Glen Taylor, RDT’s Maritime Sales Manager.

Tempus IC is a ground-breaking vital signs monitor designed for medical and non-medical users, including yacht captains and crew, to transmit the key vital signs routinely measured in an ER including blood pressure, 12 lead EKG, capnometry and glucometry to land based doctors. This is essential at sea, where a diversion will usually take too long and a medevac is rarely an option.

Tempus IC is proven to have saved diversions and the technology has improved the quality of onboard medical care for yacht captains and owners as well as helping save lives at sea, in the air and from remote land locations for over 8 years.

For a full functional demonstration during the Antibes Yacht Show please contact Glen Taylor: +44 7825 219719 or e-mail: yachting@rdtltd.com   

Etihad Airways will install new state-of-the-art technology on its long and ultra long haul aircraft which can monitor the condition of passengers who display signs of sickness that might require immediate medical attention.

The “Tempus IC” system allows cabin crew to gather vital information about a passenger’s health quickly and efficiently. The data covers a wide range of the passenger’s ‘vital signs’ including blood pressure and an electrocardiogram. It also allows the crew to take photo imagery. 

That information is then transmitted to a medical team of global experts specialised in assistance in in-flight medical contingencies. Following their advice the crew will take a decision about what to do next for the passenger and the flight.

Captain Richard Hill, Etihad Airways’ chief operations officer, said: “Passenger welfare and safety is of the utmost importance to Etihad Airways and the introduction of the Tempus IC system will ensure that when medical emergencies do occur they are evaluated quickly. 

“This helps ensure that the passenger can receive the appropriate treatment when the aircraft lands, whether this is as a diversion or at its final destination.”

Etihad will introduce the Tempus IC technology, designed and manufactured by UK-based RDT, on its A340 and Boeing 777 aircraft and then subsequently across the remaining long and ultra long haul fleet.

Grahame Fever, Commercial Aviation Sales Director RDT, said: “We are delighted that Etihad has chosen RDT ‘s Tempus on-board telemedicine technology.  

“We know from our existing Tempus customers and the in-flight trials with Etihad cabin crew that Tempus technology, with its unique ease-of-use help screens and features, makes a significant difference to quality and speed of on-board medical care."

Please see the below news bite to view a collection of articles on Etihad Airways’ selection of Tempus IC. 

Tempus technology has been helping save lives and used to manage medical incidents efficiently and safely for over 8 years. 

 RDT’s Maritime Sales Manager Glen Taylor has been invited to speak to a collection of major commercial shipping safety teams at the Informal Tanker Operator’s Safety Forum (ITSOF) Conference on the 6-7^th October in Newfoundland. Glen will be giving a live demonstration of Tempus IC together with a presentation on the importance of Tempus IC to the Commercial Shipping Industry.

“RDT is delighted to be given the opportunity to speak at the upcoming ITSOF conference in Newfoundland. This is a great opportunity to discuss the merits of telemedicine with the Commercial Shipping market. Tempus IC can help Commercial Shipping clients save money on unnecessary medical evacuation and diversions, whilst offering the very best in medical protection for all the crew onboard.  The gathering of 50 or so key safety officers in one venue is a great opportunity for RDT to further strengthen its potential in this important market and to build on recent successes in Europe and the Middle East” says Glen.

Tempus IC is an innovative vital signs monitor designed to enable users, including ship captains and crew, to transmit the key vital signs routinely measured in an ER to land based doctors. This is particularly important for commercial shipping, where a diversion will typically take too long and is often not an option.

Says Captain G. Roumantjas, Metrostar Management: “Tempus IC has revolutionized our approach to a medical incident. The Tempus system provides all the vital information needed by our contracted emergency care doctors to proceed with diagnosis and treatment advice and/or to make an accurate medical decision including patient evacuation. The equipment fulfils our primary duty of care by enabling the very best in medical protection for our crew and improving the occupational health and safety on board our vessels”

Tempus is CE marked under the European Medical Devices Directive and cleared to market (510k) in the USA by the FDA.

August 2009 – RDT are pleased to announce its first orders in the military market for its remote monitoring medical device, Tempus IC

Tempus IC represents a new generation of vital signs monitors, setting new standards for size, weight and robustness. Combined with full telemedicine functionality, the device offers a wide range of features – including blood pressure, 12 lead EKG, capnometry and oximetry -  in a small, light, sand proof and water resistant package that has been rigorously tested to ensure it can stand up to hard use in harsh environments.

Following its successful introduction in the commercial and general business aviation and maritime markets, RDT introduced the monitor to the military in the Spring of 2009 through attendance at a number of key conferences and have been thrilled with the way in which it was received.

Tempus IC is the world’s first monitor to enable simultaneous transmission of clinical quality medical data, voice and video even over very low speed links.

Comments Marc Whedbee, RDT’s military sales specialist “I am excited about this first order and the speed with which we have been able to progress the product’s introduction into the military market. Tempus IC revolutionises treatment on the battlefield and during transport and will assist in saving lives. It acts as a force multiplier by enabling evacuation teams and specialised units to manage medical incidents more independently.”

Tempus IC provides interface options never previously available on a vital signs monitor. Its flexible hardware and software platforms allow integration with other applications.

In the most remote locations, field hospitals and during evacuation, it provides comprehensive vital signs monitoring throughout the en-route care system as data and images can be transmitted and shared in a variety of ways making continuity of care across the en-route care system easy, fast and reliable.

July 2009: Emirates sign 5-Year, 100 aircraft fleet wide contract for A380-800, A340-500 and B777-ERs

UK-based RDT are pleased to announce that Emirates are equipping their fleet of A380-800s with the Tempus IC medical device and performing a fleet wide upgrade to replace their Tempus 2000 units with the latest technology. 8 Tempus IC units have already been shipped against the contract for the A380s.

Tempus enables a sick passenger’s vital signs, including blood pressure, pulse rate, temperature, electrocardiogram (ECG), blood oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, as well as visual imagery, to be sent using the onboard communications system to emergency medical specialists at the Medlink Response Centre in Phoenix, USA, who can diagnose the problem and advise and guide crew, or a medically-qualified onboard volunteer, on how best to help the passenger.

RDT’s original product, Tempus 2000, was introduced in 2006 on all Emirates’ Airbus A340-500 aircraft operating services between Dubai and New York, Osaka, Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland and Christchurch and also on to their B777-ER fleet; all these units will now be upgraded. With regards the A380, not only is the A380 able to carry significantly more passengers, but its sheer size means it faces operational challenges at diversion airfields, so the ability to avoid unnecessary medical diversions is even more important..

Comments Graham Murphy, RDT’s CEO: ” This reflects the successful introduction of Tempus technology onto the Emirates fleet and builds on our excellent long-term relationship with Emirates. Tempus technology significantly increased Emirates’ onboard medical provision, helping Emirates pilots to make critical diversion decisions and providing reassurance to everyone involved in onboard medical incidents. Tempus enables fast, informed medical decisions to be taken, ensuring passengers and their families receive the highest quality of medical care available today.”

June 2009 - RDT are pleased to report a record year for sales of its Tempus technology. Now with over 100 customers in 20 countries around the globe, RDT’s impressive customer base includes leading airlines (Virgin Atlantic, V Australia, bmi & Emirates), over 50 Fortune 500 companies, private individuals, heads of state and the military.

RDT has over 7 years of experience of delivering reliable telemedicine solutions and its products are regularly used by non-medical experts such as cabin crew even on an intermittent basis. In October 2008, RDT started shipping its newest development in remote medical monitoring, Tempus IC.

RDT’s latest patient monitor Tempus IC setting new standards in terms of size, weight and robustness and is market leading in its flexibility and usability. It is also the world’s first monitor to enable users to transmit a full set of vital signs data,and simultaneous voice and video communication over a range of communication channels including Bluetooth, WiFi, GSM, GPRS and traditional telephone connections.

Tempus IC is built on the pedigree of Tempus 2000 and integrates years of R&D, innovation, real world experience and unique communications technology. A significant advance on Tempus 2000, Tempus IC is a breakthrough in telemedicine.

Since its launch, RDT have shipped over 150 systems with a further 100 on order.

“Tempus IC is the most communications enabled patient monitor on the market. It means you no longer have to be in the right place at the right time to receive the medical attention you expect. It transmits the vital signs routinely measured in an ER, so you can get the best remote diagnosis and treatment support available – even in flight.” Graham Murphy, CEO, RDT

May 2009 - RDT are please to announce that a key Presidential Flight has upgraded its Tempus 2000 units to Tempus IC to support its VVIP and VIP operations on B747-400, B777-200, BBJ, B737-800 and Airbus A320 aircraft.

The need to support multiple connectivity methods, including POTS (RJ-11) connectivity, and on-board WiFi connectivity was critical and demonstrates Tempus’ inherent versatility to operate over a variety of communication platforms.

Tempus IC has been designed to operate using current and future connectivity methods and is very interchangeable-friendly. If Swift Broadband / GSM technology is implemented on the Flight’s aircraft in the future, any of the devices will be able to operate just as easily, without any upgrade.

The customer has operated RDT’s Tempus 2000 (predecessor to Tempus IC) for the past 7 years and has now chosen to upgrade to Tempus IC

“This upgrade order for Tempus IC is testament to the Flight’s satisfaction with Tempus technology and the excellent on-going support and service they receive from RDT” comments Alastair Grant, Business Development Manager, RDT

April 2009 - OnAir and RDT Introduce Next Generation In-flight Telemedicine

OnAir and RDT have announced the successful testing of RDT’s Tempus IC telemedicine system using OnAir connectivity based on SwiftBroadband, high capacity, high-speed satellite service from Inmarsat.

The system was successfully used on a bmi flight at the end of February 2009. For the first time, doctors on the ground were able to use real-time moving video technology to remotely assist afflicted passengers on-board as well as the crew managing the emergency situation in the air. Additionally, the device streamed real-time 2-way voice and 8 key vital signs including blood oxygen level, breath gas analysis and 12-lead electrocardiogram.

 “RDT’s advanced technology and OnAir’s SwiftBroadband connection, mean that medical experts can more accurately assess the situation than ever before. This not only offers reassurance to the patient, but is an enormous step forward in reducing the number of unplanned landings and in improving operational efficiency for the airline.” Benoit Debains, CEO of OnAir (SITA and Airbus Joint Venture)

April 2009 - Lufthansa Technik’s Cabin Innovation Centre selected Tempus IC as the first product they want to integrate and market with their Mobile Access Router (MAR); the partnership with RDT was announced at Aircraft Interiors Expo in April 2009.

The Lufthansa Technik Group is one of the leading manufacturer-independent providers of services for the aviation industry with a portfolio that encompasses a wide range of services including maintenance, repair, overhaul, modification and conversion, engines and components. Its new Cabin Innovation research and development center was inaugurated on the first day of the show.

The Tempus system fits with Lufthansa Technik’s strategy of offering high quality, high technology innovation to their airline and VIP and business jet customers.

 “This cooperation in the telemedicine sector shows the rising importance of health care availability for private and commercial aircraft users. Besides the most important feature of having access to life-saving medical assistance, this technology also brings economical benefits such as the prevention of expensive consequences due to incorrect in-flight health diagnostics.” Andrew Muirhead, Director of Lufthansa Technik’s Cabin Innovation Centre.

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March 2009: On February 26th ESA was present for the successful in-flight use of RDT’s Tempus IC medical device during a bmi passenger flight from London Heathrow to Russia.

The objective of the program was to develop and validate a system that enables airlines to manage in flight medical emergencies more effectively and to reduce the number of costly unnecessary medical diversions.

This activity was the culmination of 3 years collaborative R&D activity between ESA, RDT and bmi.

 “Obviously a medical emergency when you are in-flight is a very unnerving experience for a captain because there are so many conflicting requirements - the requirements for the patient but also the requirements for the 200 or so people on the aircraft. The decision to make a medical diversion can be very demanding and unsettling indeed.

This has been a great advance in the management of an in-flight medical incident. With the emergence of ultra long-haul aircraft such as the A380, this kind of technology is really the only way forward to contain the component of risk that an in-flight medical incident presents, not just for the airline but for the passenger as well. The combination of medical data with the ability actually to see and talk to patient and crew is a real breakthrough.” Capt. Dr. Graham Cresswell, bmi Pilot Medical Officer.

February 2009 - Following its decision to equip with Tempus IC on its Boeing B777-300ER trans-Pacific services between Australia and the US West Coast, the first device was flown on this new and innovative airline’s Sidney-LA route in February 2009.

RDT is proud to have V Australia as its first Asia Pacific commercial aviation customer for Tempus IC. V Australia promise to bring new levels of customer service and innovation to the commercial aviation market in the region and RDT is delighted to be associated with this vision. Rolling out across fleet.

 “We are pleased V Australia will have this technology on board its fleet of new B777 aircraft which will ensure the best possible medical care and advice for the odd occasions travelers fall ill during flight”. Scott Swift, Executive General Manager, V Australia Airlines

February 2009 - Leading aerospace company Dassault Aviation now offers Tempus IC, the World’s leading remote medical monitoring system, as an option for its Falcon 2000 and 7X business jet customers.

Pilots need to be able to make the right decisions about what to do should in-flight illness or injury befall passengers or crew. Tempus takes the guesswork out of decision-making during remote medical incidents by enabling staff or crew to send a sick person’s vital signs to ground-based medical experts within minutes of them being taken ill.

At the push of a button Tempus provides land-based response centre doctors with the critical real-time medical data and image transmission that enables fast accurate diagnosis, treatment support and next-step advice.

Parameters include a 12-lead electrocardiogram to identify serious heart complaints, blood pressure, pulse rate, saturated blood Oxygen levels, respiration rate and exhaled carbon dioxide to help diagnose breathing difficulties and panic attacks. Simultaneous voice and data communication and video images enable the doctor to see the patient first hand provide the complete picture and are the nearest thing to having the doctor onboard.

Roz Thomas, RDT’s Head of Sales and Marketing comments: “Tempus offers significant benefits to users. Falcon jet owners frequently fly over areas where diversion is neither an option nor desirable and to countries with poor medical infrastructure, so need as much help as possible if a medical incident occurs - both on and off the aircraft. Tempus reduces room for error, operates discretely and helps everyone keep control in a difficult situation. Its availability through Dassault gives customers the opportunity to secure the best remote medical care available and its inclusion an option reflects their established commitment to deliver high-end functionality and advanced business travel solutions to the marketplace.”

January 2009 - Having gained a wealth of real world experience through the design, development and manufacture of Tempus 2000, RDT wanted to respond further to customer needs by developing a next generation telemedicine solution: a new device, more portable, more robust, with greater medical functionality and the ability to provide ground-based medical staff with better insight into medical emergencies.

Critical to the new product –Tempus IC – was the ability to stream video to remote medical response teams. This would provide richer visual information for the doctor and help them to make a better diagnostic impression, improving outcomes for the patients. However, whilst RDT knew that adding video would add significantly to the user experience, it came with a technical challenge; video streaming is very thirsty work, from both a processor point of view, but also on the communications’ infrastructure.

In addition, Tempus IC design required images to be streamed simultaneously while the device walks the user through procedures such as taking breath gas analysis, ECG readings or blood pressure.

The successful incorporation of streaming video into the device is testament to the strength of RDT’s in-house product design and development team.

“Technically, streaming video under these conditions is extremely challenging. The video streaming capabilities are an important part of what is an extremely innovative product, enabling non-medical people to assist in emergency situations. For example, users can move the unit directly to take ‘head to toe’ image of the casualty or focus in onto a particular condition, all under direct instruction from a remote medical specialist.” Tim Fry, Project and Software Development Manager, RDT