Offshore telemedicine emergency service: a 1-year experience

Aim Offshore wind energy is a fast growing market. Accordingly, a correspondingly large number of employees are working at the wind farms. Owing to the harsh operating conditions, accidents and medical emergencies occur there. The care of these patients poses special challenges. The aim of the investigation was to determine whether telemedical emergency care is technically possible on the North Sea, far away from any medical care. Subject and methods We were able to establish a raw data supported telemedical integration with a rescue service monitor for transmission of ECG, blood pressure, saturation and other vital parameters to a telemedicine centre. As a first step, a satellite connection was set up on a supply ship for the transmission, which was then made available for data transfer via WLAN. Results In this project, we were able to show in tests as well as in actual patient care that telemedical support of rescue service personnel on site using raw data transmission is also possible offshore on a supply ship. In this project, defined areas with WLAN coverage were necessary in which the transmission worked in 100% of cases. Conclusion The care of emergencies in the area of offshore wind farms is an increasing problem, which can be sensibly treated with telemedical support. Technical possibilities can also be created on site in the North Sea. The further expansion of a communication network, for example, with LTE or 5G, is necessary to enable telemedical care independent of supply ships.