How Climate Change is Reshaping Emergency Medicine: The Role of SnooCODERED
Climate change is an undeniable force reshaping many aspects of our world, including the field of emergency medicine. As the planet warms, we are witnessing more frequent and severe weather events, rising sea levels, and increasing temperatures. These changes are leading to a higher incidence of natural disasters, heat-related illnesses, and vector-borne diseases, which in turn are placing unprecedented demands on emergency medical services (EMS).
One of the most significant impacts of climate change on emergency medicine is the increased frequency and intensity of natural disasters. Hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and droughts are becoming more common, and their severity is escalating. In early May, at least 130 people died amid severe flooding and landslides in Rwanda, while thousands were displaced as entire villages were engulfed. Beyond the 5,000 homes, 17 roads and 26 bridges destroyed, a whole hospital was lost amid torrential rain that followed an extended drought.
Such events with mass casualties overwhelm the demand for emergency medical services, and traditional emergency response systems are frequently ill-equipped to handle the sheer volume of incidents, particularly in remote or underserved areas.
Enter SnooCODERED Control Centre (SRCC), the offline mobile emergency control centre that empowers first responders to efficiently manage emergencies. The system enables responders to determine, notify, and confirm the availability and proximity of essential health assets such as ambulance stations, hospitals, pharmacies, and individual doctors. Moreover, it provides navigation to and from the emergency scene, ensuring swift and coordinated response efforts. All these capabilities work offline - ideal for disasters, where telecommunications services are easily overwhelmed or completely broken down. In situations where Internet connectivity is available however, SRCC has recently been integrated with AI to further offer context-appropriate first aid instructions and primary health advice, enhancing the efficacy of first responders and ensuring that patients and disaster victims receive accurate care.
Another standout feature making SnooCODERED ideal for climate emergencies and disaster situations is its recent development into an easy-to-setup modular solution for 4 main applications: Mobile EMT (ambulance); Mobile Clinic; Stationary Primary e-Healthcare Outpost; Stationary Emergency Call Centre. This modular development was informed by challenges shared by EMTs and health workers we hosted during our Emergency Healthcare Solutions Exchange, a Royal Academy of Engineering “Frontiers Champions” initiative.
Mobile EMTs in an ambulance can operate seamlessly with a roaming satellite Internet dish, a power bank, and a tablet equipped with the AI-integrated SRCC. This setup ensures that first responders can deliver timely and effective care on the go.
For more comprehensive care within the short-term, a Mobile Clinic can be swiftly established at the disaster site using a medically equipped van together with satellite Internet, a solar panel or battery pack, and a tablet with the AI-integrated SRCC. This setup allows healthcare providers to offer a broader range of medical services directly where they are most needed.
In scenarios where a more medium-term setup is required, a Stationary Primary e-Healthcare Outpost can be assembled using temporary structures such as tents (or an upcoming SnooCODERED-designed modular outpost). This outpost will have satellite Internet, a solar panel, and a tablet with the AI-integrated SRCC, creating a fully functional medical station capable of providing continuous care in disaster-affected areas. Pictured is a rudimentary, open-air outpost the SnooCODERED team assembled in a 4-minute demonstration.
And finally, existing stationary emergency call centres can also benefit from SnooCODERED. By incorporating satellite Internet, backup power, and a tablet with the AI-integrated SRCC, these centres can enhance their operational resilience and ensure uninterrupted service during crises.
A particularly innovative feature of the SnooCODERED system is its drone control module. This tool allows anyone anywhere to deliver medical supplies to remote areas or conduct remote surveys of emergency situations without requiring any drone piloting skills. By simply entering the 6-digit SnooCODE address, you can watch the drone can fly unaided to the precise location, ensuring timely delivery of critical supplies and enhancing situational awareness in hard-to-reach areas.
As the climate continues to change, the demands on emergency medical services will only grow. Innovative solutions like SnooCODERED are essential to meeting these challenges head-on. By leveraging advanced technology and integrating AI, SnooCODERED is poised to transform emergency medicine, ensuring that responders are better equipped to save lives and provide care no matter the context - on the go, at the disaster site, in the most remote areas…
In conclusion, the intersection of climate change and emergency medicine necessitates forward-thinking solutions. SnooCODERED stands out as a pioneering system that not only addresses current needs but also anticipates future challenges. Its modular design, ease of setup, and AI-driven support make it a game-changer in the realm of emergency response, positioning it as an invaluable tool in the fight against the impacts of climate change on public health.