Digital ECG transmission from ambulance cars with application of the European Standard Communications Protocol SCP-ECG

Within an European Research and Development project for Open European Data Interchange the Standard Communications protocol for Computerized Electrocardiography has been implemented into stand-alone ECG carts. This protocol includes data compression and makes possible digital ECG transmission via analogue (and digital) telephone networks. It has been demonstrated that-at a transmission speed of 9600 bit/s real-time transmission of 12 lead conventional ECGs was possible from an ambulance car via mobile telephone to the emergency department of a hospital. This new technology provides means for improved health care, e.g. preparation of thrombolytic therapy in case an acute infarction ECG is transmitted from the ambulance car,.<>