HK1203721B - Diagnostic and intervention tools for emergency medical dispatch - Google Patents

Description

Diagnostic and interventional tools for emergency medical dispatch

The present application is a divisional application of the chinese invention application having an application date of 26/2008, application number of 200880000263.5, entitled "diagnostic and interventional tools for emergency medical dispatch".

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a computer system and method for providing medical protocol interrogation for instruction and first aid dispatch. In particular, the present invention relates to a computer-implemented tool that facilitates interrogation.

Drawings

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention, including various embodiments of the present invention, are described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one embodiment of an emergency medical dispatch system;

2A-2F illustrate one embodiment of an interface of a breath detector tool;

3A-3D illustrate one embodiment of an interface of a pulse check tool;

4A-4D illustrate one embodiment of an interface of a uterine contraction timer tool; and

fig. 5A-5D illustrate one embodiment of an interface for a press monitor tool.

Detailed Description

The various embodiments of the present invention will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. It will be readily understood that the components of the disclosed embodiments, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the systems and methods of the present invention is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as claimed, but is merely representative of possible embodiments of the invention. Additionally, the steps of a method do not necessarily need to be performed in any particular order or even sequentially, nor do they require to be performed only once, unless otherwise specified.

In some instances, well-known features, structures, or operations are not shown or described in detail. Furthermore, the described features, structures, or operations may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. It will also be readily understood that the components of the embodiments as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations.

Aspects of the described embodiments will be described as software modules or components. As used herein, a software module or component may include any type of computer instruction or computer executable code located within a memory and/or transmitted as electronic signals over a system bus or wired or wireless network. A software module may, for instance, comprise one or more physical or logical blocks of computer instructions, which may be organized as a routine, program, object, component, data structure, etc., that performs one or more tasks or implements particular abstract data types.

In particular embodiments, a particular software module may include disparate instructions stored in different locations of memory which together implement the described functionality of the module. Indeed, a module may comprise a single instruction, or many instructions, and may be distributed over several different code segments, among different programs, and across several memories. Some embodiments may be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, software modules may be located in local and/or remote memory storage. In addition, data that is bound together or brought together within a database record (rendered together) may reside within the same memory or across several memories, and may be linked together within fields of records within a database across a network.

Appropriate software to facilitate the practice of the present invention can be readily provided by those skilled in the art using the teachings and programming languages and tools provided herein, such as Java, Pascal, C + +, C, database languages, APIs, SDK, assembly, firmware, microcode, and/or other languages and tools. Suitable signal formats may be embodied in analog or digital form with or without error detection and/or correction bits, packet headers, network addresses in a particular format, and/or other supporting data readily provided by those skilled in the art.

A medical dispatch system as disclosed herein may be computer implemented in whole or in part on a digital computer. The digital computer includes a processor for performing the required calculations. The computer also includes a memory in electronic communication with the processor for storing a computer operating system. The computing operating system may include MS-DOS, Windows, Unix, AIX, CLIX, QNX, OS/2, and Apple. Alternatively, it is contemplated that future embodiments will be suitable for execution on other future operating systems. The memory also stores application programs including computer-aided dispatch (CAD) programs, emergency medical dispatch protocols, and user interface programs and data stores. The computer also includes an output device, such as a display unit, for viewing the displayed instructions and queries, and as a user input device for inputting the response data.

Referring to FIG. 1, one embodiment of a computer-assisted medical dispatch system 100 is shown. At dispatch center 102, dispatcher 104 operates computer 106, and computer 106 executes emergency medical dispatch protocol 108 to enable the dispatcher to quickly and consistently (consistency) handle medical emergencies. The emergency medical dispatch protocol 108 provides a logical tree with questions, possible responses from the caller, and instructions to the caller. The response may be routed to subsequent questions and/or instructions to the caller. The responses are processed according to predetermined logic to provide the caller with the correct emergency medical dispatch response and the appropriate post-doctor approved (approved) dispatch instructions before professional assistance arrives. Example embodiments of such medical dispatch protocols are disclosed in the following patents: U.S. patent nos. 5,857,966, 5,989,187, 6,004,266, 6,010,451, 6,053,864, 6,076,065, 6,078,894, 6,106,459, 6,607,481 and 7,106,835, which are incorporated herein by reference.

The computer 106 operates a determinant value calculator 110 to calculate a determinant value from the caller's response to the project question. The computer 106 submits the determinant value to generate an appropriate emergency response. Because the questions asked and the recommendations (recammentation) given are vital, the protocol used should have passed a rigorous medical examination by the group of doctors and EMS public safety specialists who are skilled in emergency medicine.

Because many calls to medical services are not true medical emergencies, it is important to prioritize the calls in a variety of ways. First, the call for the real first aid should be scheduled first. Second, if an institution includes units with different capabilities, more serious medical problems should receive treatment of more advanced units. Finally, if the warning lights and alarms (lights-and-siren) are not needed from a medical point of view, they should not be used, thereby increasing the safety of all people on the road and in the ambulance. While many medical calls are not true emergencies, all situations can benefit from medical assessments and instructions. Before professional help arrives at the scene, the dispatch system provides instructions for the type of call appropriate to stop breathing from a small wound to someone.

The determinant value provides a classification code of the type and level of the event, which is provided to a computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system 112 for processing, the computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system 112 being a tool used by the dispatcher to track and allocate emergency response resources. CAD system 112 may operate, in whole or in part, on a separate computer in communication with computer 106. The primary information used within this task is the location information of the event and unit, unit availability and type of event. CAD systems can use third party solutions such as E-911, vehicle location transceivers (transponders), and MDT for automating location and availability tasks.

The computer 106 may include a reporting module 114 for statistically measuring individual person performance and overall center performance. These statistics include compliance rates, call processing statistics, and peer measures.

Dispatch center 102 includes telephone equipment 116 for answering emergency calls. A call from caller 118 into dispatch center 102 initiates the creation of a medical call event. The dispatcher 104 identifies the call as requiring emergency medical dispatch and an emergency medical dispatch protocol 108 is requested. Some solution questions are easy to answer, while others are more difficult. Some diagnostic queries may be difficult to determine for untrained callers. Protocol 108 may provide expert drafted (drafted) instructions to help novice callers diagnose the patient's condition. The protocol 108 may also provide expert-defined first aid instructions to assist the patient before the emergency responder arrives.

In addition to instructions, the medical dispatch system 100 may provide a computer-implemented diagnostic tool 120. The diagnostic tool 120 may be stored within the memory of the computer 106 and activated and executed as needed. The diagnostic tool 120 may be implemented as a computer-executable software application and associated data. The scenario 108 may invoke (call on) the diagnostic tool 120 to facilitate the query and may route to the diagnostic tool 120 as needed. The diagnostic tool 120 allows the dispatcher 104 to provide consistent expert advice to assist the caller in determining vital signs.

The medical dispatch system 100 may activate the diagnostic tool 120 automatically, i.e., without dispatcher intervention. This may occur when the emergency medical dispatch protocol 108 reaches such a diagnostic step and activates the corresponding diagnostic tool 120. The system 100 may also allow the dispatcher 104 the option to access (call up) the diagnostic tool 120 as needed. Icons may be displayed in a toolbar or other convenient location on the user interface to allow the dispatcher 104 to launch the corresponding diagnostic tool 120.

In determining vital signs, the diagnostic tool 120 is a computer-implemented software module to provide consistent instructions and reliable timing. One of the benefits of the diagnostic tool 120 is the computer-aided timing of the techniques for determining vital signs. Under highly stressful conditions, diagnostic tools provide the necessary resources for reading critical signs.

The diagnostic tool 120 discussed herein includes a breath detector 122, a pulse check 122, a contraction timer, and a CPR compression monitor 126. Each diagnostic tool 120 is described with reference to the figures of the graphical user interface illustrating certain embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that such an interface may be implemented and designed in a variety of ways and still be within the scope of the present invention.

Referring to fig. 2A, an embodiment of a graphical user interface 200 for a respiration detector is shown. The interface 200 may include instructions 202 that the dispatcher 104 reads to the caller 118. The instructions 202 require the caller 118 to indicate immediately each time the patient breathes. The interface 200 may include a start button 204 for initiating the detection process. The dispatcher 104 clicks on the start button 204, which starts a timer 206. The timer 206 records the entire time of the detection process.

The interface 200 includes a breath button 208, which the dispatcher 104 clicks each time the caller indicates to take a breath. Initially, the breath button 208 may declare "first breath" to indicate the first breath of the patient. After one click, the breath button 208 may then state "second breath," etc., to indicate the number of breaths. The interface 200 may include an emergency stop button 210 to terminate the detection process. The interface 200 also includes a clear/review button 212 to clear the received data and to begin the inspection process again. The breath rate field 214 indicates the number of breaths per minute based on the breath interval. The pattern analysis section 216 provides the determined average breathing rate.

A bar graph 218 is provided, the bar graph 218 providing feedback on the breathing interval. Each bar 220 corresponds to a breathing interval and indicates the quality of the interval. The interval timer 222 records the duration of the current interval. Each time a breath is recorded, the interval timer 222 is reset to then show the duration of the next interval. As shown, four breath intervals may be recorded for one detection process. The interface 200 includes a recommendations field 224 that displays recommendations and instructions generated by the respiration detector 122 when the procedure is terminated.

In the illustrated embodiment, the dispatcher 104 may click the start button 204 to launch once and click the breath button 5 times to define four intervals. After viewing the suggestion region 224, the dispatcher 104 can act immediately to generate a dispatch response. The dispatcher 104 may also return to the protocol 108 and input the results of the detection process, which will affect the protocol results. Thus, the resulting decision value may be based on the results of the detection process. In one embodiment, the determinant value may be automatically generated based on the results of the detection process.

The interface 200 may also include a close button 226. When operated, the off button terminates execution of the breath detector 122. The dispatcher 104 may then return to the scheme 108.

Fig. 2B-2E show different results of the detection process performed by the breath detector. In fig. 2B, the timing values for the different intervals are shown in a zone 214 having a corresponding, approximate breath-per-minute rate. The average breath rate based on the breath interval is displayed in the pattern analysis area 216. The pattern analysis area 216 may also indicate: the respiration rate is within the normal range (normallimits). Each bar 220 may be filled to a height (level) corresponding to a spacing value. The bar 220 may be filled with a color that indicates whether the space is acceptable or problematic. For example, the bar 220 may have a red fill color for dangerous, a yellow fill color for problematic, or a fill color for acceptable green. The recommendations field 224 provides the results of the detection process. The recommendations field 224 may be filled with colors to indicate a level of risk. As shown, breathing is considered normal or possibly abnormal, as the case may be. The interface 200 may also display a suggestion instruction 228 that sets forth the provided suggestion.

Fig. 2C shows a breathing pattern with irregular (irregularly) intervals and breathing rates below the acceptable limit. The intervals and breathing rates used by the breathing detector 122 are predetermined by an expert to provide consistency and reliability. The recommendations field 224 outputs an indication of an anomaly or irregularity. The instructions 228 provide further information regarding the results and patient condition. The result of this detection process is likely to result in a higher priority of emergency medical response.

Fig. 2D shows a breathing pattern in which only one interval is recorded. If any breath interval extends too long, the breath detector 122 may interrupt the process and determine that breathing is inefficient. In the example shown, the second breath interval is at least 10 seconds. Subsequent breath interval measurements are not required because the patient has exceeded an endangered limit. The recommendations field 224 declares respiratory inefficiency or dying, which is likely to result in a high priority of emergency medical response.

In fig. 2E, another example of an inefficient or dying breathing result is shown. All four breath intervals were recorded, but the breath rate was below the acceptable range.

In fig. 2F, an example of an excessive breathing rate is shown. The recorded breath intervals provide an average of the breath rate of 45 breaths per minute. Because this breathing rate exceeds the acceptable range, the recommendations field 224 indicates an excess of the normal breathing rate.

Based on the results of the breath detector, the priority of the emergency medical response is determined. The dispatcher 104 may also provide instructions to the caller 118 to assist the patient. These instructions may be referred to herein as post-dispatch or pre-arrival instructions to indicate that they are given after the responders are dispatched and/or before the responders arrive at the scene. In one example, when an inefficient breath is detected, the dispatcher 104 may provide intervention instructions to instruct the caller 118 to check whether the patient has any throat obstruction. It will be appreciated that various interventional instructions may be provided to assist the patient.

Referring to fig. 3A, one embodiment of a graphical user interface 300 for pulse check 124 is shown. The interface 300 may provide instructions to assist the caller 118 in measuring the pulse rate. The caller 118 may or may not be the patient. An instruction button 302 is provided to initiate the display of a pulse-taking (pulse-tagging) instruction to the neck, umbilical cord, or some other body part. By clicking on the command button 302, a pulse taking command is displayed to the dispatcher 104.

The interface 300 provides a timer 304 that runs for a predetermined amount of time. In one embodiment, the timer runs for 15 seconds. A start button 306 is provided and, when clicked, starts the timer 304. Upon initiation, the dispatcher 104 instructs the caller 118 to begin counting pulses. During the time interval, the caller 118 counts the number of pulses. The interface 300 indicates to the dispatcher 104 when the time interval expires. Upon expiration, the dispatcher 104 instructs the caller 118 to stop counting and asks for the last number.

A frequent counts input field 308 is provided for the dispatcher 104 to input the number of pulses provided by the caller 118. The illustrated area 308 allows the dispatcher 104 to click the correct number. If the correct number is not shown in the input field 308, the field 308 allows the pulse number to be entered, as shown.

The Beats Per Minute (BPM) field 310 displays the pulse rate based on the dispatcher's input to the count input field 308. The pulse check 124 performs the calculation according to a predetermined time interval. The advice area 312 displays the results of the pulse review process based on the number of pulses that are input. The close button 314 closes the interface 300 and terminates operation of the pulse check 124.

Fig. 3B, 3C, and 3D show different pulse rate results. In fig. 3B, timer 304 has run for 15 minutes as its predetermined interval. The dispatcher 104 selects the number of pulses counted, which in this example is 20. After entering the number of pulses, the BPM field 310 displays beats per minute. The recommendations field 312 provides a range of pulse rates that may be used to determine a determinant value of priority within an emergency response. The ranges shown are acceptable and do not indicate a medical problem by themselves.

In FIG. 3C, the dispatcher 104 has selected the "neck" instruction button 302 and the corresponding instruction 316 is displayed to the dispatcher 104. The dispatcher 104 reads instructions 316 to the caller 118 to help find the pulse and measure the pulse rate. The timer 304 is shown to have run for 15 seconds. The count entered into the count entry area 308 is 11. The BPM field 310 returns the pulse rate and the advice field 312 provides a range of results. In the example given, the pulse rate of 44 beats per minute is in the low range. After providing the results, the start button 306 may display a clear/resume option to allow the process of pulse taking to be repeated.

The recommendations field 312 may be filled with a color to indicate whether the range is acceptable. The color indication helps the dispatcher 104 to quickly confirm the range and to confirm whether the pulse rate is a problem on medical emergencies. Like the breath detector 122, the pulse check 124 provides a result that can be used by the dispatcher 104 to determine a determinant value and/or set an emergency medical response priority. The results may also be used automatically by the calculator 110 to set the determinant values.

In fig. 3D, timer 304 is shown to have run for 15 seconds. The count entered into the count entry area 308 is 31. The BPM field 310 returns a pulse rate of 124 beats per minute. The recommendations field 312 provides a range of results. The pulse rate may be provided to the protocol 108 and/or emergency responders prior to their arrival.

Referring to fig. 4A, one embodiment of a graphical user interface 400 for the contraction timer 126 is shown. The interface 400 includes a quantity input 402 for indicating the number of current pregnancies. In the illustrated embodiment, the dispatcher 104 may select that this is the first pregnancy or that the patient has had at least one previous pregnancy. The interface 400 may also include instructions 404 that the dispatcher reads to the caller 118 to assist in measuring the contraction interval. The interface 400 includes a start button 406 for starting a timer 408 and starting a contraction timer. The caller 118 tells the dispatcher 104 each time a contraction occurs. When the dispatcher 104 is informed of the contraction, the dispatcher 104 clicks the contraction button 410.

The clear/review button 412 allows the dispatcher 104 to terminate the timing process and start again. An emergency stop button 414 may be provided to terminate the process immediately, close the interface 400, and return to the protocol 108. The contraction interval 416 lists the duration of the contraction interval. Pattern analysis area 418 provides an average uterine contraction rate. The bar graph 420 includes a plurality of bars 422, each bar indicating a spacing between contractions. As shown, the number of bars and spaces to be recorded is 2, although this number may be changed as needed. The interval timer 424 displays the time of the current interval. After a predetermined number of intervals have been recorded, the recommendations field 426 displays the results. A close button 428 may be provided to terminate the contraction timer 126 and close the interface 400.

In fig. 4B, two intervals between contractions have been recorded. The contraction interval is 5 minutes each, as shown in zone 416. This is also shown within the bar graph 420. The bar 422 may be filled to indicate the duration of the interval. The pattern analysis area 418 provides the uterine contraction rate, which is the average of two intervals. Region 418 also indicates that this is a regular contraction pattern, as the two intervals are similar in duration. The recommendations field 426 provides results based on the interval between contractions. The result is determined by the monitor 128 to be a normal delivery. The advice area 426 may also be filled with a color to indicate the time to give birth. The interface 400 may also provide a results instruction 430 to clarify the results provided.

In fig. 4C, the contraction interval is 2 minutes each. It will be appreciated that the contraction intervals will vary from person to person, and those shown here are for illustrative purposes only. The contraction interval zone 416, pattern analysis zone 418, and bar chart 420 all reflect the measured contraction interval. The recommendations field 426 displays the results: the patient approaches parturition.

In fig. 4D, the contraction interval is about 30 seconds. The fields 416, 418 and bar chart 420 show the length of each interval and the average of the two intervals. The recommendations field 426 displays the imminent (imminent) result of delivery. It is contemplated that the results provided by monitor 128 may be used to determine the priority of emergency medical responses and instructions provided to caller 118 to assist the patient.

The diagnostic tool provides a reliable method for determining time-based vital signs. Computer operated timers ensure reliability that callers who are inexperienced in measuring vital signs and are in a highly stressful situation not visible through the phone may not be able to provide. The use of diagnostic tools requires correspondence between the dispatcher and the caller to effectively make time-based measurements. It can be appreciated that reliable vital signs greatly improve the overall rescue dispatch decision making process and responder operations.

Referring again to fig. 1, the computer 106 used in the system 100 also includes an intervention tool for assisting the caller 118 or other party in administering assistance. The interventional tool may be a compression monitor 128 for assisting in CPR and the like. When the caller 118 indicates that a medical emergency requiring CPR intervention is occurring, the dispatcher 104 can activate the compression monitor 128 to provide timely synchronized instruction (timing glideline).

Referring to fig. 5A, an embodiment of a graphical user interface 500 generated by the press monitor 128 is shown. The interface 500 includes an age input field 502, which may include a plurality of buttons 504 for the dispatcher 104 to select. Each button 504 corresponds to a different age or age group of the patient. Alternatively, the age input field 502 may allow the dispatcher 104 to enter the patient's age or age group. The age of the patient is used by the compression monitor 128 to determine the appropriate compression rate.

The interface 500 also includes a press bar 506, and the press bar 506 may include a plurality of press buttons 508. Each press button 508 corresponds to a number of predetermined number of presses to be performed on the patient. The number of presses may be listed on the corresponding button 508. Selecting the press button 508 starts a timer of the press monitor 128 and execution of the selected number of presses is about to begin. In selecting the press button 508, the dispatcher 104 informs the caller 118 to begin executing the press. The interface 500 may or may alternatively provide a start button (not shown) to start a timer to time the actual time that the press is performed.

The interface 500 may include a pause button 510, the pause button 510 pausing the timer for some reason. Interface 500 includes a done button 512 that terminates the timer. When the caller 118 indicates that the selected number of presses are complete, the dispatcher 104 selects the complete button 512.

The interface 500 also includes an ideal press area 514, where the ideal press area 514 may list the number of presses performed, the ideal stop time for performing the selected number of presses, and the actual time that has elapsed for performing the presses. The interface 500 may further include an actual compression rate field 516 for displaying the calculated compression rate. The interface 500 includes a recommendation field 518, the recommendation field 518 displaying the results of the calculated compression rate. The recommendations field 518 may be color filled or highlighted to provide a visual indication of the rate of compressions. A close button 520 is provided to terminate pressing the monitor 128 and close the interface 500.

In fig. 5B, the press button 508 corresponding to 100 presses has been selected. As shown in the ideal pressing zone 514, the ideal time is 50 seconds, but the actual time for completing 100 presses is completed in 30 seconds. The actual compression rate field 516 indicates a rate of 200 compressions per minute, which is too fast. The suggestion region 518 displays a result of "too fast" to indicate that the caller 118 or other individual performing the compression is proceeding too fast. The selected press button 508 may display a "clear/restart" tab (label) to indicate that the selection will clear the timer, field 514, and the result to restart. Zone 516 may retain the number of presses per minute for comparison with the next procedure.

In fig. 5C, the process is repeated for 100 compressions. As shown, the actual elapsed time in region 514 is 48 seconds. The actual elapsed time is not equal to the ideal time, but is close enough to be considered acceptable by the compression monitor 128. The compression rate is displayed in field 516 along with the previous compression rate. The recommendations field 518 displays a result of "good".

In fig. 5D, the process is repeated again for 100 compressions. The elapsed time shown in section 514 is one minute and ten seconds. The compression rate of 86 compressions per minute is displayed in field 516. This compression rate is displayed along with the previous compression rate to provide a comparison. The dispatcher 104 can thereby provide feedback to the caller 118 regarding the compression rate. As shown in region 518, the compression rate is too slow.

The compression monitor 128 provides a timer and feedback for each compression rate to improve the interventional effect. A computer implemented timer and trained dispatcher 104 provide a stable measure of compression rate to improve performance. The dispatcher 104 and caller 118 maintain communication to ensure proper start and end times. In this manner, CPR techniques may be effectively performed on the patient prior to arrival of the emergency responder. Even an inexperienced caller 118 or other individual may then provide compressions at a preferred and correct rate.

The diagnostic and interventional tool provides a user-friendly interface for assisting the dispatcher in responding to emergency calls. The interface may include text, audio, video, and combinations thereof to assist the caller in finding vital signs and/or provide compressions using CPR techniques. The tool provides a timer for timing and recording body functions such as respiration, pulse and contractions. The tool provides a timer for timing the rate of CPR compressions. Moreover, all information obtained by the tools may be stored by the system 100 and transmitted to the determinant value calculator 110, the reporting module 114, the CAD system 112, and the emergency responder. This information may be used to assist emergency responders prior to arrival. The tool greatly improves information gathering and intervention for emergency medical response situations and will help save lives.

While particular embodiments and applications of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the precise configuration and components disclosed herein. Various modifications, changes, and variations apparent to those skilled in the art may be made in the arrangement, operation, and details of the methods and systems of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (25)

1. An emergency medical dispatch system comprising:

a dispatch center computer to be operated by a dispatcher to receive and answer emergency medical calls from callers reporting medical emergencies of patients using a telephonic device, the computer comprising:

an emergency medical dispatch protocol module that provides a logical tree with questions, possible responses from the caller, and instructions to be relayed to the caller;

a determinant value calculator for calculating a determinant value from a caller's response to a project question; and

a diagnostic tool module to assist the dispatcher with inquiries of the caller, wherein the emergency medical dispatch protocol module invokes the diagnostic tool module and routes to the diagnostic tool module to assist in the inquiries when needed, the diagnostic tool module providing a user interface including a start input to start a timer;

the diagnostic tool module running the timer in response to the start input; the diagnostic tool module is capable of terminating the timer;

the diagnostic tool module provides a breath input to receive a dispatcher input each time the patient breathes while the timer is running,

the diagnostic tool module measures the interval between each dispatcher input,

the diagnostic tool module determines a respiration rate based on the interval, an

The diagnostic tool module determines a breathing result of the patient from caller relayed information about the patient and in association with the timer;

a computer-assisted dispatch system communicatively coupled to said dispatch center computer for receiving determinant values from said determinant value calculator for use by said dispatcher in tracking and allocating emergency response resources therefrom.

2. The emergency medical dispatch system of claim 1, wherein the determinant value provides a classification code for the type and level of medical emergency.

3. The emergency medical dispatch system of claim 1, wherein the diagnostic tool module is used by the dispatcher to provide consistent expert instructions to relay to the caller to assist the caller in relaying information back to the dispatcher for determining the vital signs of the patient.

4. The emergency medical dispatch system of claims 2 or 3, wherein the diagnostic tool module is automatically activated or accessed by the dispatcher on demand.

5. The emergency medical dispatch system of claim 1, wherein the diagnostic tool module comprises a CPR compression monitor to provide timely synchronized compression guidance to the dispatcher, the CPR compression monitor comprising a timer and a user interface providing input means corresponding to a recommended number of compressions to be administered to the patient.

6. The emergency medical dispatch system of claim 5, wherein the user interface further provides the dispatcher with a recommendation for the dispatcher to relay to the caller, the recommendation relating to a compression rate.

7. The emergency medical dispatch system of claim 1, wherein the dispatch center computer comprises a reporting module to statistically measure individual dispatcher's performance and overall dispatch center performance.

8. The emergency medical dispatch system of claim 1, wherein the emergency medical dispatch protocol module provides expert drafted instructions to assist novice callers in gathering information to determine a patient's condition and/or provides expert-formulated first aid instructions to the callers to assist the patient before arrival of emergency responders.

9. The emergency medical dispatch system of claim 1, wherein the logical tree routes to subsequent questions and/or instructions to callers based on the responses.

10. The emergency medical dispatch system of claim 1, wherein the diagnostic tool module displays a recommendation on the user interface according to the breath results.

11. The emergency medical dispatch system of claim 1, wherein the user interface provides a close input; and the diagnostic tool module terminates operation in response to the close input.

12. The emergency medical dispatch system of claim 1, wherein the user interface provides a clear input; and the diagnostic tool module resets the timer and clears the breath results in response to the clear input.

13. The emergency medical dispatch system of claim 1, wherein the diagnostic tool module displays a duration of the interval on the user interface.

14. The emergency medical dispatch system of claim 1, wherein the diagnostic tool module displays a respiratory rate on the user interface in association with a time.

15. The emergency medical dispatch system of claim 1, wherein the diagnostic tool module determines a mode based on the respiration rate and displays the mode on the user interface.

16. The emergency medical dispatch system of claim 1, wherein the diagnostic tool module further measures the patient's pulse rate in association with the timer according to caller relayed information entered by the dispatcher.

17. The emergency medical dispatch system of claim 16, wherein the user interface provides instructions for taking a pulse for relay to the caller.

18. The emergency medical dispatch system of claim 16, wherein the diagnostic tool module terminates the timer after a predetermined amount of time and:

the user interface providing a count input means to receive a count input from the dispatcher; and

the diagnostic tool module is responsive to the counting input and calculates a pulse rate according to the predetermined amount of time.

19. The emergency medical dispatch system of claim 16, wherein the diagnostic tool module displays the pulse rate on the user interface.

20. The emergency medical dispatch system of claim 1, wherein the diagnostic tool module further measures a uterine contraction rate of the patient in association with the timer according to caller relayed information entered by the dispatcher.

21. The emergency medical dispatch system of claim 20, wherein the user interface provides input means to receive input from the dispatcher for a current number of pregnancies.

22. The emergency medical dispatch system of claim 20, wherein the user interface provides an input for each contraction after starting the timer.

23. The emergency medical dispatch system of claim 22, wherein the diagnostic tool module measures an interval between each contraction to determine a contraction pattern.

24. The emergency medical dispatch system of claim 23, wherein the diagnostic tool module displays a duration of the interval on the user interface.

25. The emergency medical dispatch system of claim 23, wherein the diagnostic tool module displays a length of each contraction on the user interface.