GB2528969A

GB2528969A - Improvements in or relating to emergency apparatus and/or methods

Info

Publication number: GB2528969A
Application number: GB1414055.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Aidan Hunt
Original assignee: ICE LOGIN Ltd
Current assignee: ICE LOGIN Ltd
Priority date: 2014-08-07
Filing date: 2014-08-07
Publication date: 2016-02-10
Also published as: GB2531129A; GB201414055D0; GB201513964D0

Abstract

A label 1 comprising: a first label region 2 visible in use and capable of displaying a first set of information 8; and a second label region 5, in use and capable of displaying a second set of information 9. The label is attachable to or around an item, wherein following attachment the first region is visible and the second region hidden. Also disclosed is a sheet of labels. A method for assisting a medical practitioner in an emergency comprising: requesting information on an individual using a first code located on the individual; receiving only a critical set of information to assist a first-responders treatment. The method may comprise: requesting information using a hidden second code proximal to the first and receiving non-critical care information. Another method for identifying an individual comprising using a unique personal identification code provided on an item to access the individuals personal data stored on a remote storage device. A system for identifying an individual comprising: a unique personal identification code capable of being secured to an item; and a remote electronic storage device for storing personal data on an individual, wherein in an emergency allows a medical practitioner to access the individuals personal data.

Description

Improvements in or Relating to Emergency Apparatus and/or Methods The present invention relates to a label, in particular, a label usable in case of emergency. The present invention also relates to a sheet of labels. Further, the invention relates to a method of assisting a medical practitioner in an emergency.

Additionally, the present invention relates to a method and system for identifying an individual and use of label.

When faced with a new emergency, a first-responder or paramedic must quickly assess a situation so as to determine any required treatment. The first hour after an emergency is often considered the golden hour' and, during this time, the decisions taken and/or treatment administered can often shift the balance between life and death of an individual requiring assistance. Typically, the first-responder or paramedic has little or no information at their disposal which can help identify the individual and/or any pre-existing conditions or allergies, etc. which could have a bearing when appropriate treatment is considered. A paramedic or first-responder may make more informed and better decisions if they are furnished with relevant knowledge at the time of making those decisions.

There exists in the art various systems which go some way to identifying an individual and assisting the first-responder make more informed decisions.

However, of the ones known, they each have their own disadvantages. For example, engraved jewellery exists which includes an identification number and a telephone number which may be called so as to retrieve personal and/or medical data. However, a first-responder does not have the time to make such a call and may be wary of the source of the data, or may wonder whether it relates to the individual found to be wearing the jewellery. In a further example, identification and/or medical information may be stored in a flash drive, such as a USB stick, which is worn about the individual. Owing to the amount of information that may be stored, there is a tendency for too much to be included and, certainly, more than is required by a first-responder carrying out their initial assessment. Therefore, the first-responder may not have time to go through all of the information. Further, there are often worries about putting a foreign' USB device into the first-responder's computer system, or that of the hospital, as viruses are easily transferred that way.

In a further example, whilst data on an individual is retrievable, it may simply be that there is not enough information to identify the individual and/or any pre-existing medical conditions with any certainty.

Therefore, there is a need for an apparatus, system and/or method which assists a first-responder or paramedic. In particular, by providing them with just the right amount of information to make more informed decisions and verify the identity and any pre-existing medical conditions which may have a bearing on any treatment being considered.

The present invention is aimed at providing such an apparatus, system and/or method, but without the disadvantages of the associated prior art.

According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a label comprising: a first label region, arranged to be visible in use, and capable of displaying a first set of information; and a second label region, arranged to be hidden in use, and capable of displaying a second set of information, the label is attachable to or around an item of property, wherein, following attachment, the first region is provided in a visible condition and the second region is provided in a hidden condition.

Preferably, the property is property to be carried or worn by a user, such as personal property.

Preferably, the first label region and the second label region are opposite sides of the label. Alternatively, the first label region and the second label region may be adjacent parts of a first side of the label.

Preferably, the second label region is a tab, arranged to be foldable underneath the first label region.

Preferably, the label comprises three regions of identical size, a middle panel of which is provided by the first region.

Further preferably, the first set of information and/or the second set of information are an alpha-numeric code.

Most preferably, the first label region comprises or consists of a Star of Life symbol, a web address, and an alpha-numeric code. The Star of Life symbol is exemplified in Figures 1 and 2. As known by those skilled in the art, the Star of Life symbol is an Internationally known symbol relating to healthcare and, as such, draws a medical practitioner's attention to the label. Most preferably, the second label region comprises or consists of an alpha-numeric code.

Preferably, the label is an adhesive label and, individually or in sheet form, is provided on a release paper.

Preferably, following attachment, the first label region obscures the second label region.

Most preferably, the first label region adheres to the second label region, to enable hiding of the second label region in use.

According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a sheet of labels comprising a plurality of labels, each label comprising: a first label region, arranged to be visible in use, and capable of displaying a first set of information; and a second label region, arranged to be hidden in use, and capable of displaying a second set of information, the label is attachable to or around an item of property, wherein the plurality of labels are arranged to comprise at least two distinct forms corresponding to different intended uses Preferably, each label is a label as defined in relation to the first aspect.

Preferably, the sheet comprises nine labels and, most preferably, the sheet comprises nine identically designed labels, of which three are small, three are medium and three are large.

Preferably, a width of a panel providing the first label region is arranged to correspond to a width or a dimension of an item to which the label will be attached.

Preferably, small labels correspond to a width of 11 millimetres; medium labels correspond to a width of 17 millimetres; and large labels correspond to a width of 21 millimetres.

According to a third aspect, the present invention provides a method of assisting a medical practitioner in an emergency, the method comprising: requesting information on an individual using a first code located on said individual; receiving only a critical set of information, which is information deemed to assist the first-responder's treatment or care of the individual.

Preferably, the method further comprises: requesting further information using a second but hidden code, proximal to the first code; and additionally receiving non-critical care information on said individual.

Preferably, the critical set of information comprises information relating to: blood group; and/or condition/allergy, which comprises information relating to medication; body location; and/or dosage.

Further preferably, the critical set of information further comprises information relating to: first name; age; distinguishing marks; visual representation(s); gender; and/or nationality.

Preferably, the visual representation is a photo or similar of the face of the individual and/or their distinguishing mark(s).

Most preferably, the critical set of information further comprises information relating to: weight; height; distinguishing marks; and/or date data updated.

Preferably, a set of non-critical information comprises information relating to: sensitive condition information; surname; health number or reference; and/or next of kin and/or doctor's details.

Further preferably, the set of non-critical information further comprises information relating to: weight; height; distinguishing marks; and/or date data updated.

Preferably, the method comprises locating a label on said individual comprising the first code and/or the second code. Most preferably, the method comprises locating on an individual a label as defined in relation to the first aspect.

Preferably, a first set of information comprises a web address and an alpha-numeric code, and the method comprises utilising that code on the identified website or through an App, so as to receive the critical set of information. Further preferably, the method further comprises utilising a second alpha-numeric code, provided by a second set of information, so as to receive the non-critical set of information.

The present invention also provides, in a fourth aspect, a method for identifying an individual comprising using a unique personal identification code provided on an item of property to access personal data stored on a remote storage device, wherein a medical practitioner in receipt of the personal data can verify the identity of the individual before considering an appropriate form of treatment.

Preferably, the personal data comprises one or more pieces of data relating to physical characteristics of the individual. Most preferably, the data comprises medical information on pre-existing conditions. In particular, the data may be level 1 or level 2 information, especially as defined in relation to the third aspect.

Additionally, the present invention provides a system for identifying an individual comprising: a unique personal identification code which is capable of being secured to an item of property; and a remote electronic storage device, for storing personal data on an individual, wherein, in a situation of emergency, a medical practitioner is capable of using the unique personal identification code to access the personal data for the purposes of verifying the identity of said individual before considering an appropriate form of treatment.

In a yet further aspect, the present invention provides use of a label, preferably from a sheet of labels, the use comprising: applying the label to an item of property; carrying around the property and the label, wherein, in the case of an emergency, a medical practitioner uses data supplied on the label to determine the owner of the property and, thereby, verify the identity of an individual possessing the property before considering an appropriate form of treatment.

The present invention also provides a computer program or App comprising a program for implementing the method of assisting a medical practitioner in an emergency as defined in relation to the third aspect, or the method for identifying an individual as defined in relation to the fourth aspect.

The present invention also provides a data carrier storing or any form of computer programed with the computer program or App defined above.

Advantageously, the label and App of the present invention saves time in an emergency and has the potential of saving lives. As the label and App help identify an individual quickly, and highlight critical information for a paramedic or first-responder, that information may be considered and taken into account early on in the care of the individual. It is estimated that nearly fifteen minutes' time is saved using the label and App at this stage. Further, additional time is saved at the hospital where additional information is provided by the label and App, which facilitates bringing together the individual's existing notes, etc. through use of a health number or reference, and next of kin and/or the general practitioner (GP) may be easily contacted. Additionally, as the hospital can be pre-warned of arrival, and assisted by the level 1 and level 2 information, the emergency department will be better prepared to receive and treat the individual. Advantageously, as an App is used, there are no third-party delays where one must wait for information to be provided over the telephone, for example. The label and App are also cost-effective when compared to known systems! methods utilising USB devices orjewellery for carrying information. Advantageously, the provision of a plurality of labels increases the likelihood of a first-responder, paramedic and/or hospital staff using the label and App to locate relevant information on the individual, as the labels may be placed on a plurality of property items, and not just on a single point of reference. Preferably, the label is placed on an item of personal property. The information supplied following entry of a code in the App provides just the right amount of information for identifying the individual and/or any pie-existing medical conditions or allergies, such that this information is relevant to the first-responder or paramedic and can be easily and quickly taken into consideration. Advantageously, a photograph may be included in the critical set so as to aid identification. The photograph could be of the face of an individual or of a distinguishing mark. Advantageously, if a photograph of a distinguishing mark is included in the critical set, an individual may still be identified for treatment purposes. Advantageously, if the first alpha-numeric code is misappropriated, then the information retrievable using the App does not harm the confidentiality of the individual, as it is only really of use to a first-responder or paramedic who is treating the individual. Overall privacy and protection of confidential information which is not required to be considered when determining treatment (level 2 information, for example) is improved through the use of a second alphanumeric code which is not readily viewable -which has the further effect of reducing misuse of that code.

An item of personal property is generally considered to be property which may be warn or normally carried by an individual. The following is a non-exhaustive list of personal property, for example, a watch, a silicon wrist band, a bracelet, a bangle, other jewellery, a mobile phone, a credit card, a camera, a passport, a crash helmet, cycle helmet, etc. The present invention relates to apparatus and/or methods which assist a medical practitioner and are not directed to treatment per so.

The invention will now be disclosed, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a plan view of an in case of emergency' label; Figure 2 is a plan view of a sheet of labels according to Figure 1; Figures 3A to 3F are screenshots of an App which uses data provided by the label of Figure 1.

A label, identified generally by reference 1, is shown in Figure 1, which shows the label 1 from above. The label is relatively thin and on its front includes three regions of equal size -a central region 2 and end regions 3 and 4 -and a smaller tab 5. The label 1 is an adhesive label and further comprises both an adhesive on a rear surface (not shown) and a release paper (not shown).

The central region 2 includes a Star of Life symbol 6, a web address 7 (exemplified as ice-login.com) and an alpha-numeric code 8 (exemplified as G3F 6G1 3PY). The central region 2 also includes the tab 5, provided in an adjacent manner to the central region 2 and, for this example, it is located on the right-hand side of the central region 2. Tab 5 is foldable; in particular, it is foldable underneath the central region 2. Tab S also includes an alpha-numeric code 9 (exemplified as 1XOB).

The peripheral regions 3 and 4 include information 10, which directs a first-responder to look beneath label 1 (exemplified as remove for emergency contact code). Although peripheral regions 3 and 4 are shown as identical in Figure 1, one or both of them may provide the same information as the central region 2 and show a Star of Life symbol 6, a web address 7, and an alpha-numeric code 8.

Alpha-numeric codes 8 and 9 are specific to an individual and are the only part of the label which must be altered for different individuals. Alpha-numeric code 8 is a nine-digit code, wherein each of the sets of three digits includes at least one letter and at least one number. Alpha-numeric code 9 is a four-digit code, which includes at least one number and at least one letter. Alpha-numeric codes 8; 9 are randomly generated and non-sequential.

The label is manufactured from a material which is both durable and waterproof. The adhesive is also waterproof. The label is preferably a laminated material which includes a base-layer, a layer of ink providing information, and a clear-layer providing protection for the ink. A different set of alpha-numeric codes 8; 9 are printed for each individual.

In an alternative embodiment, the label may consist of only the central region and the tab, especially when the label is not intended to be wrapped around anything and merely adhered to an item of property.

Figure 2 shows a plurality of labels 1, as defined above in relation to Figure 1, in the form of a sheet 20 of labels. Although the labels 1 shown differ slightly from those shown in Figure 1, this is just to provide an example of the labels 1 in which one end region is identical to the central region. The labels 1 are grouped into sets of three, in which each of the sets 21 to 23 are of different sizes. Set 21 provides three labels 1 of smallest width, which is exemplified as 11 millimetres. Set 22 provides three labels 1 of medium width, which is exemplified as 17 millimetres. Set 23 provides three labels 1 of largest width, which is exemplified as 21 millimetres.

Instructions for use 24 are located to one side of the sets 21 to 23. Further, intended usages of the labels are also identified on the sheet 20 at longitudinal edges 25A and 25B. A sheet 20 may be manufactured by a standard process known in the art and, therefore, further details will not be provided. The sheet 20 provides nine identical labels, albeit of three different sizes, each having the same set of alphanumeric codes 8; 9.

In use, a label 1 may be removed from the sheet 20 and, owing to its adhesive underside, may be affixed to an item of personal property. Preferably, the label is held in place for ten seconds to allow the adhesive to make a good bond with the item of property. As exemplified in the regions 25A and 25B, the label may be affixed around a watch strap, a silicon wrist band, a bracelet or a bangle. In addition, the label 1 may be affixed to a mobile phone, a credit card, a camera, a passport, a crash helmet, a steering wheel or a sun visor. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, for the former group, the label 1 is preferably wrapped around the item of property, for example, a watch strap, and secured to itself (the label) such that the peripheral region 3 or 4 -showing information 10 -is upmost at one part of the wrapped label 1. It is also important that the central region 2 is not obscured and this is, preferably, facing outwards from the watch strap where it will be easily noted, recognised and used by a medical practitioner. As for the latter group, when applying a label 1 to an item of property, for example a mobile phone, the label 1 will be simply placed upon the mobile phone and not wrapped around it. Alpha-numeric code 9, located on the tab 5, is provided proximal to alpha-numeric code 8, but on a separate part of the label 1. Once the label 1 is removed from the sheet 20, tab 5 is folded back upon itself, so that the tab 5 may be adhered to an underside of the central region 2. Both tab 5 and central region 2 are provided with adhesive on their undersides and, therefore, good adhesion is provided. When the label 1 is affixed either around or to an item of property, tab 5 is hidden from view and, therefore, alpha-numeric code 9 is also hidden from view.

Each of the alpha-numeric codes 8; 9 have different purposes. A first-responder will require information which is provided following entry of alpha-numeric code 8 into an App (an application or program run on any form of computer, tablet, smart-phone, etc.). Information, which will hereinafter be referred to as level 1 information', i.e. that critical care information considered required such that a first-responder may effectively treat an individual, is displayed through the App. As for alpha-numeric code 9, entry of that code following an initial entry of alpha-numeric code 8, provides non-critical care information which is more useful to either a hospital or a paramedic, etc. after the initial golden hour. Such information, hereinafter referred to as level 2 information', may also include more sensitive information and possibly be of a nature which an individual would not wish a person viewing their label in any public environment to be able to access.

Figures 3A to 3F show approximate screenshots of the App in use. In Figure 3A, the alpha-numeric code 8 (the nine-digit code) may be entered in a box identified by reference 30, for example, by a paramedic or a first-responder, so as to provide them with critical care information. Level 1 information is shown in screenshots 3B and 3C. As shown in Figures 3B and 3C, a box identified by reference 31 displays a name, age and sex of an individual (exemplified by Joseph, (43) and male). A box identified by reference 32 displays a nationality (exemplified by British). A box identified by reference 33 displays a blood group (exemplified by AB+). A box identified by reference 34 displays a condition/allergy (exemplified by diabetic type 1 / medication: insulin! body location: not entered / dosage and notes: 12 units morning; 12 units midday; 12 units evening). A box identified by reference 35 displays a further condition/allergy (exemplified by penicillin intolerant / medication: do not administer penicillin / body location: not entered / dosage and notes: do not administer penicillin). Preferably, one or more boxes identifying condition/allergy (references 34; 35) are coloured red, so as to immediately draw the medical practitioner's attention to them. As to Figure 3D, alpha-numeric code 9 (four-digit code) may be entered in a box identified by reference 36. Following entry of the second alpha-numeric code 9, additional information is displayed which is level 2 information (non-critical care information). Therefore, the following is additionally displayed, with reference to Figures 3E and 3F. A box identified by reference 37 displays a National Health reference (exemplified by 0123456789). A box identified by reference 38 displays, next of kin and Doctor's information (exemplified by wife: Mrs Joanne Public! 09876543210/07654 123456 /joanne.public©coldmail.com AND Doctor / Dr. Ivor Paine / 09990 999999 / ivorpaine©surgery.com). In addition, although not shown, sensitive information could be displayed following entry of alpha-numeric code 9.

Although the invention in relation to Figures 3A to 3F has been exemplified with respect a smart-phone-type device, the invention could be run through a normal website and web browser on any form of computer, etc. An individual receiving a sheet of labels can choose which information to upload onto the server and, therefore, determine which information will be available to medical practitioners through the label and App of the present invention. This is typically done through one's web browser through standard means. It is, of course, the server I an overall management program which determines which of the data uploaded is displayed to the medical practitioner, depending upon whether the information is considered level 1 or level 2 information.

In a situation that the individual has no existing medical conditions, the individual may select none' or words to that effect under the heading condition/allergy, so as to differentiate from a situation where the individual has not yet entered their data.

Claims

Claims: 1.) A label comprising: a first label region, arranged to be visible in use, and capable of displaying a first set of information; and a second label region, arranged to be hidden in use, and capable of displaying a second set of information, the label is attachable to or around an item of property, wherein, following attachment, the first region is provided in a visible condition and the second region is provided in a hidden condition.
2.) A label as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first label region and the second label region are opposite sides of the label.
3.) A label as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first label region and the second label region are adjacent pads of a first side of the label.
4.) A label as claimed in claim 3, wherein the second label region is a tab, arranged to be foldable underneath the first label region.
5.) A label as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the label comprises three regions of identical size, a middle panel of which is provided by the first region.
6.) A label as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first set of information and/or the second set of information are an alpha-numeric code.
7.) A label as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein, following attachment, the first label region obscures the second label region.
8.) A label as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first label region adheres to the second label region, to enable hiding of the second label region in use.
9.) A label, substantially as herein disclosed, with reference to Figure 1 or Figure 2 of the accompanying drawings and/or any example described herein.
10.) A sheet of labels comprising a plurality of labels, each label comprising: a first label region, arranged to be visible in use, and capable of displaying a first set of information; and a second label region, arranged to be hidden in use, and capable of displaying a second set of information, the label is attachable to or around an item of property, wherein the plurality of labels are arranged to comprise at least two distinct forms corresponding to different intended uses
11.) A sheet of labels as claimed in claim 10, wherein the sheet comprises nine labels.12.) A sheet of labels as claimed in claim 11, wherein the sheet comprises nine identically designed labels, of which three are small, three are medium and three are large.13.) A sheet of labels as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein a width of a panel providing the first label region is arranged to correspond to a width or a dimension of an item to which the label will be attached.14.) A sheet of labels, substantially as herein disclosed, with reference to Figure 2 of the accompanying drawings and/or any example described herein.15.) A method for assisting a medical practitioner in an emergency, the method comprising: requesting information on an individual using a first code located on said individual; receiving only a critical set of information, which is information deemed to assist the first-responder's treatment or care of the individual.16.) A method as claimed in claim 15, wherein the method further comprises: requesting further information using a second but hidden code, proximal to the first code; and additionally receiving non critical care information on said individual.17.) A method as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the critical set of information corn prises information relating to: blood group; and/or condition/allergy, which comprises information relating to medication; body location; and/or dosage.18.) A method as claimed in claim 17, wherein the critical set of information further comprises information relating to: first name; age; distinguishing marks; visual representation(s); gender; and/or nationality.19.) A method as claimed in claim 18, wherein the critical set of information further comprises information relating to: weight; height; distinguishing marks; and/or date data updated.20.) A method as claimed in any one of claims lSto 19, wherein a set of non-critical information comprises information relating to: sensitive condition information; surname; health number or reference; and/or next of kin and/or doctor's details.21.) A method as claimed in claim 20, wherein the set of non-critical information further comprises information relating to: weight; height; distinguishing marks; and/or date data updated.22.) A method as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 21 comprising locating a label on said individual comprising the first code and/or the second code.23.) A method as claimed in claim 22, wherein the method comprises locating on an individual a label as defined in any one of claims 1 to 9.24.) A method as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 23, wherein a first set of information comprises a web address and an alpha-numeric code, and the method comprises utilising that code on the identified website or through an App, so as to receive the critical set of information.25.) A method as claimed in claim 24, wherein the method further comprises utilising a second alpha-numeric code, provided by a second set of information, so as to receive the non-critical set of information.26.) A method for assisting a medical practitioner in an emergency, substantially as herein disclosed, with reference to the accompanying description and/or any example described herein.27.) A method for identifying an individual comprising using a unique personal identification code provided on an item of property to access personal data stored on a remote storage device, wherein a medical practitioner in receipt of the personal data can verify the identity of the individual before considering an appropriate form of treatment.28.) A method as claimed in claim 27, wherein the personal data comprises one or more pieces of data relating to physical characteristics of the individual.29.) A method as claimed in claim 27 or claim 28, wherein the data comprises medical information on pre-existing conditions.30.) A system for identifying an individual comprising: a unique personal identification code which is capable of being secured to an item of property; and a remote electronic storage device, for storing personal data on an individual, wherein, in a situation of emergency, a medical practitioner is capable of using the unique personal identification code to access the personal data for the purposes of verifying the identity of said individual before considering an appropriate form of treatment.31.) Use of a label, preferably from a sheet of labels, the use comprising: applying the label to an item of property; carrying around the property and the label, wherein, in the case of an emergency, a medical practitioner uses data supplied on the label to determine the owner of the property and, thereby, verify the identity of an individual possessing the property before considering an appropriate form of treatment.32.) A computer program or App comprising a program for implementing the method of assisting a medical practitioner in an emergency as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 26, or the method for identifying an individual as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 29.33.) A data carrier storing or any form of computer programed with the computer program or App of claim 32.