A vision of ambulance telemedicine services using the Quasi-Zenith Satellite

This is a vision of ambulance telemedicine and disaster applications using the quasi-zenith satellite (QZS). It describes Japanese social requirements for advanced medical care in ambulances and then provides an overview of the quasi-zenith satellite system (QZSS) and of ambulance telemedicine services using the QZS. Also discussed are plans to realize the services. The QZSS will capitalize on its high elevation in Japan to target mainly mobile users through a star-type network centered on a gateway. Ambulances will be connected to the gateway through the QZS, triage centers will be connected to the gateway through a land-based network, and hospital emergency rooms will be connected to the triage centers by landlines. Using the QZS, appropriate and expedient medical care can be rendered in ambulances, shortening ambulance transport time, enhancing the time for preparation by the receiving hospital, and realizing more effective patient triage overall. Ambulance telemedicine services will contribute to saving more lives.