Written by Marnie Birch
When it comes to an accident or emergency, every second counts. An Australian-designed digital health invention called SafeMate is helping to save lives by providing access to a patient’s medical details at the scene of an accident or emergency. Using a personalised QR code to deliver secure medical information to paramedics, patient outcomes are improved by removing delays in receiving appropriate emergency treatment.
When a Sydney engineer lay unconscious after being hit by a freak wave while surfing, no one knew his identity or who to call. Once he had recovered, the experience became the catalyst for a team of software engineers to create a digital health product. SafeMate is a product that is helping to save lives.
When it comes to administering emergency treatments, every second counts. SafeMate is an Australian-owned and operated product that improves patient outcomes by providing paramedics and first responders with immediate access to a person’s vital medical information at the scene of an accident or emergency. Business development manager at SafeMate, Leanne Clarke said SafeMate was simple to use and had been endorsed by the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) who had used the product since 2017.
Paramedics scan the QR code on a patient’s card, key tag, phone or wristband on arrival at the emergency location. Each code is unique and linked to a secure profile that conveys salient information about the patient’s health and medications. The data is instantly transmitted to paramedics who can tailor faster more informed treatments to the patient.
“It has been proven to save paramedics up to 10 minutes in an emergency situation,” Leanne said.
The SafeMate kit contains a wallet-sized card, two key tags and three stickers for placement in a highly visible location such as a front door, mobility aid or phone and an optional wristband containing a QR code. Members select the medical information they wish to share such as medical history, emergency contacts, medications and allergies. QAS paramedics can call next of kin, family members, doctors and specialists and honour end-of-life wishes regarding organ donation at the patient’s discretion.
Leanne said there are options to include personal information of importance too, citing a client who added details of her assistance dog to her profile. During a medical incident, SafeMate alerted paramedics about how essential her dog was to her health, meaning both she and her dog could be transported to the hospital together, assisting her recovery.
Unlike alert bracelets and smartphone medical IDs, the SafeMate database can only be accessed by individuals with security authenticator clearance, such as certified QAS paramedics and others approved by the client. And with security being a topical concern, Leanne advises that SafeMate clients have the confidence of knowing that they retain total control and ownership of their information, as the system is not linked to doctor records or MyGov.
The product works throughout Queensland wherever there is Wi-Fi and there are also options to use the system interstate, with plans to roll it out nationwide. The only maintenance the system requires is that clients keep their medical information up-to-date, which is easily managed with a phone call or logging into the SafeMate website. And the good news is that the cost of SafeMate is claimable under the NDIS and My Aged Care Plans, for those who are eligible.
According to Leanne, almost every new client elects to purchase an optional waterproof ‘Fitbit’-style wristband ($15) for convenience, as this can be comfortably worn on the wrist 24/7.
“It removes the stress of remembering medical information or carrying around bits of paper when you are unwell,” Leanne said. “If something does happen, you just hold out your wrist.”
Suitable for any age, from young children with allergies and medical conditions to older people living at home or receiving palliative care, SafeMate can benefit individuals who work in high-risk occupations and dementia patients who are prone to wandering.
The product is ideal for families and caregivers of vulnerable people with a sensory impairment, a disability, diabetes, complex health conditions or long lists of medications.
“It results in the patient being treated the right way, right away and reduces patient, family and paramedic stress and confusion at the time of an emergency,” Leanne said.
SafeMate is particularly helpful for older people who have fallen and may have hit their heads. When unwell, frightened, or in pain, it can be bewildering for a patient to answer questions about health and medications.
“Clients who are unable to talk just point to their wristbands which gives the paramedics instant access to the information they want them to know,” Leanna said. “It gives the family peace of mind knowing that should something happen when they are not around, SafeMate will speak for them and get them the help they need.”
Members can cancel at any time and are not locked into any contracts.
“It doesn’t expire or need batteries or access to power …. it is about providing speed of information to paramedics in an emergency,” Leanne said.
For more information phone 07 3184 9109 or visit getsafemate.com
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