Bengaluru, Feb 11 : In a landmark initiative for emergency healthcare, Trustwell Hospitals today unveiled Karnataka’s first 5G-enabled ‘Smart Ambulance,’ revolutionizing patient care from the point of pickup to hospital admission. This state-of-the-art ambulance bridges the critical gap between patient pickup from emergency sites till the patient reaches hospital, thereby allowing specialist doctors to monitor patients in real-time and guide paramedics during the crucial ‘golden hour.’
Equipped with cutting-edge 5G technology, high-definition cameras, and advanced telemedicine devices, the ambulance transmits vital patient data including ECG, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and live video feeds seamlessly and without latency to the hospital’s consultants. This creates a “moving emergency room,” where a remote medical team can assess the patient, provide immediate diagnostic input, and even prepare the Cath Lab, operation theatre, or trauma bay before the patient arrives.
Dr. M. A. Saleem, IPS, Director General & Inspector General of Police and Head of Police Force (HoPF), Karnataka State, said,
“The introduction of the 5G-enabled Smart Ambulance marks a significant advancement in emergency response and public healthcare infrastructure. By leveraging real-time connectivity and remote medical expertise, this initiative has the potential to save countless lives during the critical golden hour. Such technology-driven healthcare solutions are essential for a rapidly growing urban environment like Bengaluru and for strengthening emergency services across Karnataka.”
Key Features of the Trustwell 5G Smart Ambulance:
· Real-Time Telemetry: Continuous streaming of critical vitals (ECG, BP, SpO2, Temp) to hospital specialists.
· Two-Way Audio-Video Communication: HD video conferencing enables face-to-face consultation between paramedics and emergency doctors.
· Onboard Diagnostics: Advanced life support systems.
· ‘Hospital-at-Home’ Start: Treatment begins the moment the patient enters the ambulance, guided by experts.
Dr. H. V Madhusudhan, Chairman & Managing Director, Trustwell Hospitals, said,
“With the launch of this 5G Smart Ambulance, we are not just transporting patients; we are extending the walls of our emergency department enroute. In emergencies like cardiac arrest, stroke, or major trauma, every second counts. This technology allows our specialists to ‘be there’ virtually, guiding life-saving interventions enroute and ensuring the hospital is perfectly prepared for immediate, definitive care upon arrival. This is a giant leap for healthcare accessibility and outcomes in Karnataka.”
The Impact:
This initiative is set to dramatically improve outcomes for time-critical conditions, especially in Bengaluru’s traffic and across longer distances in Karnataka. It empowers paramedics with direct specialist support, reduces decision-making time, and ensures a continuum of care that significantly boosts survival and recovery rates.