Background and Project Content

Air rescue missions are still often documented on paper—a time-consuming and error-prone process that limits the use of collected data for analysis. A modern, user-friendly digital solution could streamline documentation, reduce errors, and unlock new possibilities for data utilization, benefiting both rescue personnel and patients. HeliDoc is a prototype of such a solution and has already been successfully tested in collaboration with the Christophorus Air Rescue Association (ÖAMTC). In this project, we build on that foundation, enhancing the app with an AI-powered voice assistant and a live-stream function. Aside from the benefits this offers to all those directly working with the app, it also paves the way for more efficient and comprehensive digital documentation of emergency medical missions.

Goals

We plan to add more useful features to the HeliDoc app that will aid air rescue operations. These include:

• Real-time transmission of relevant mission data to target hospitals. We place great emphasis on cybersecurity issues, ensuring the secure transmission of data via the real-time live stream and the protection of sensitive medical information.
• Simplified data entry through the integration of an AI-powered voice assistant.

Work Steps and Methods

We are implementing a cryptographic system that ensures the secure transmission of patients' vital parameters to a target hospital via live stream. This allows hospital staff to stay continuously informed about the patient's state, enabling them to react immediately and prepare in a timely manner. To meet high standards of data security, the data will be encrypted both during transmission and when stored.

To develop a Small Language Model (SLM) that supports rescue teams in documentation and communication, AI experts are consulted. They assess whether such a language model can be successfully implemented to make the work of medical staff easier and more efficient. The AI model is trained with data on medical terminology and specific emergency conditions before being integrated into the app. The main goal is to enable voice-assisted documentation of events during an emergency response.

Benefits

The app offers multiple advantages over paper documentation:

• For air rescue teams: Documentation becomes easier and faster—an essential factor when working under time pressure. This allows personnel to focus fully on their primary task: providing medical care, without being distracted by administrative duties.
• For hospitals: Early and detailed patient information enables hospital staff to prepare in advance. As a consequence, treatment chains are better coordinated and resource allocation can be optimized.
• For patients: Optimized processes and efficient and continuous data transmission improve care quality  and increase survival chances.
• For digital and green transformation: The project explores the potential of AI solutions in a highly specialized field like air rescue. Additionally, transitioning to a digital system reduces resource and paper consumption.
• Overall: Enhanced emergency care processes enable faster treatment and more cost-efficient resource utilization.