Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION:

The present invention relates generally to the field of emergency response system and more particularly, it relates to a system and method having a foldable vehicle which assists in easy transportation of medical equipment during medical emergencies and provides immediate deployment of emergency responses within the indoor environments.

BACKGROUND:

The field of emergency response technology is constantly evolving to improve the delivery of pre-hospital care, particularly for time-sensitive medical emergencies like trauma and cardiac arrest. Rapid and effective response during these time-sensitive situations can significantly enhance patient outcomes and survival rates. Innovations in this field encompass a wide range of technologies, from advanced communication systems and real-time data analytics to wearable medical devices and automated diagnostic tools. These developments not only improve the efficiency of emergency medical services (EMS) but also empower first responders with enhanced capabilities to diagnose, treat, and stabilize patients before they reach a medical facility. As such, ongoing advancements in emergency response technology underscore its crucial role in bridging critical gaps in early intervention and care delivery, ultimately saving lives and improving overall public health outcomes.

Also, existing data highlights a critical need for faster response times, as evidenced by the high percentage of individuals who lack timely intervention during these critical events.

Further, at the pre-hospital care, the "chance of survival" emphasizes the importance of two initial steps in such situations: (i) Rapid Activation of Emergency Response: Swift notification of qualified personnel to attend to the emergency is paramount. Delays in activating emergency responders significantly decrease the chances of successful intervention. (ii) Early First Aid Intervention: Timely administration of basic medical aid can drastically improve patient outcomes. However, traditional methods of delivering pre-hospital care within large indoor environments often face limitations.

Current approaches to emergency response within large indoor environments suffer from several critical shortcomings:
• Static First-Aid Kits and Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs): While theoretically readily available, the placement of these kits often lacks consistency, hindering their effectiveness during emergencies. Additionally, the susceptibility of essential equipment like AEDs to theft and vandalism poses a significant security risk.
• Wheeled First-Aid Kits: These pre-packaged kits offer a broader range of medical supplies compared to static kits. However, their design is not optimized for rapid transport within large indoor spaces, hindering swift response times. Furthermore, they lack features to ensure patient privacy during on-site medical treatment.
• Autonomous Drone Delivery Systems: Drone-based systems can provide rapid delivery of medical equipment. However, they lack the crucial element of a trained first responder on-site who can effectively utilize advanced medical devices and assess the situation. Additionally, their application is primarily suited for outdoor environments, limiting their usefulness within indoor settings.
• Ambulances: These emergency vehicles are well-equipped for pre-hospital care. However, their operation is limited to outdoor use, causing delays when reaching patients located within indoor environments.
• Existing location-based emergency response systems focus on identifying responders but lack solutions for efficiently transporting both medical equipment and the responding personnel to the emergency site.

These limitations highlight the factor that the existing system / methods identifies the location of the emergency area and helps to get people to take to nearest hospital. However, none of them addresses the unique challenges of immediate emergency responses within large indoor spaces.

Thus, the present invention discloses a rapid emergency response system with readily deployable and easily accessible vehicle having an integration of a comprehensive set of medical supplies and medications for first responders to utilize during initial intervention of medical assistance.

OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION:

The primary objective of the present invention is to provide a compact, lightweight, foldable and electrically powered vehicle equipped with essential medical equipment and medications to be used by the first responders during medical emergency conditions.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a novel system and method for rapid emergency response and medical assistance within indoor environments using a quick deployable emergency two-wheeled vehicle.

Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide an easy to carry emergency rescue vehicle in folded condition like a backpack. The easy to carry is being achieved by using a shoulder strap that aids in carrying the rescue vehicle like backpack.

Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide an integrated communication system for location sharing and call-to-service functionality.

Still another objective of the present invention is to provide a patient privacy shield to ensure patient privacy during first aid administration in public spaces.

SUMMARY:
The present invention discloses a novel system designed to facilitate rapid emergency response within large indoor environments. The system comprises a foldable, electrically powered two-wheeled vehicle (hereinafter referred to as the "vehicle" or “foldable vehicle” or “electric vehicle” or “rescue vehicle”) equipped with essential medical equipment and medications. Further, the system comprises of an integrated communication system is incorporated for location sharing and call-to-service functionality.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the system provides rapid emergency response within an indoor environment, wherein the system comprising
a. a foldable two-wheeled electric rescue vehicle that comprises
i. a frame with a first elongated member and a second elongated member configured to run substantially parallel to a ground surface and extend towards a seating area respectively;
ii. a hub motor system to propel the electric rescue vehicle with front and rear wheels and offering steering within confined spaces;
iii. a handle associated with accelerator and brakes to control the mobility of the rescue vehicle;
iv. a quick-deployable privacy shield to provide protection for the patients during emergency rescue;
v. a body enclosure detachably secured to the frame, wherein the body enclosure comprising multiple openings for storing a medical equipment;
b. an emergency subsystem within the indoor environment is configured to transmit an emergency signal;
c. a battery to power the hub motor, siren, lights, and battery indicator and
d. a map display unit programmed with a layout of the indoor environment, wherein the map display unit is configured to receive the emergency signal and illuminate an LED indicator positioned on the map at the location corresponding to the signal.

In the present invention, the body enclosure of the present invention is designed with multiple openings for convenient access to various medical supplies and medications housed within segregated boxes with formed foam inserts provide secure storage for medical equipment. Further, a color coding and symbols are included on the medical equipment in order to facilitate easy identification of medical equipment type. The body enclosure is provided with an unobstructive, quick-opening mechanism to provides easy access to the medical equipment.

In the preferred embodiment, the vehicle is provided with shoulder straps for carrying or lifting the vehicle like a backpack during stair navigation. While in the folding condition as back pack, the stem of the vehicle is extendable for providing adjustable support for comfortable carrying.

In the preferred embodiment, the quick-deployable privacy shield of the present invention, constructed as a foldable origami structure, rapidly deployed in any orientation, providing three-sided protection for the patient while not hindering the first responder's access during emergency treatment. This origami structure is folded and secured inside the frame of the foldable two-wheeled electric rescue vehicle. The shield stands without support due to its material properties and attached to the vehicle from two orientations.

The emergency subsystem of the present invention includes a latch push button, Arduino Uno microcontroller, and RA-01 module, facilitates the transmission of an emergency signal upon activation. Further, the RA-01 module is paired with Arduino Uno at the designated response location receives the emergency signal. The identified location is indicated in an LED light indicator on a map display unit precisely pinpoints the location of the emergency on the map of the entire indoor environment, enabling rapid identification and response by the first responder of the emergency treatment. The system employs LoRa (Long Range) protocol for efficient communication between an emergency subsystem and a map display unit.

The present invention deploys a method for providing rapid emergency medical response within an indoor environment, wherein the method involves the steps of:
a. pressing an emergency button located in the indoor environment and generating an emergency signal;
b. transmitting the emergency signal through emergency subsystem to a first responder;
c. identifying the location of the emergency signal using a map display unit programmed with a layout of the indoor;
d. deploying an emergency response vehicle to the identified location;
e. transporting medical equipment within the vehicle to the identified location; and
f. providing emergency treatments by using the medical equipment’s stored in the vehicle.

The present invention advantageously provides a compact, motorized two-wheeled vehicle which allows first responders to reach incident locations in large indoor environment by minimizing response times and improving patient chance of survival. The quick-opening mechanism provides fast and unobstructed access to medical equipment, enabling first responders to administer care swiftly. The deployable origami-style privacy shield ensures patient confidentiality during treatment. The combination of a readily deployable vehicle, integrated communication system, and organized medical supplies enables first responders to swiftly locate and treat patients in need.

These objectives and advantages of the present invention will become more evident from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

The objective of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein:

FIG. 1 represents the block diagram of the rapid emergency response system;
FIG. 2 shows the overall structure of foldable emergency rescue vehicle of the present invention;
FIG. 3 shows the structure of the vehicle while (A) carrying the first responder and (B) first responder carrying the vehicle in folded condition;
FIG. 4 shows quick-deployable privacy shield in the emergency vehicle of the present invention;
FIG. 5 shows the body enclosure of the present invention while attached in the vehicle;
FIG. 6 shows the detached form of the body enclosure with color codes represented for type of medical equipment used in the emergency medical kit;
Fig. 7 shows the emergency subsystem where the latch push button is pressed to call the pod;
Fig. 8 shows the map display unit where the map displays the indications of exact position of incoming emergency signals; and
FIG. 9 represents the flow chart for the method involved in the rapid emergency response system.

REFERENCE NUMERALS:

100: System
200: Electric driven emergency rescue vehicle
201: Handle with accelerator and brake access
202: Frame
203: Free wheel
204: Hub motor
205: Quick opening spring mechanism
206: Body enclosure
207: Support stand
208: Privacy shield
210: Battery
212: Map display unit
300: Emergency Subsystem
400: First Responder

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:

The present invention relates to the field of mobile emergency response units, particularly those designed for rapid deployment within indoor environments. It addresses the limitations of existing prior art by providing a novel mobile emergency response unit that integrates mobility, access to emergency medical equipment and patient privacy into a single system. Additionally, an integrated communication system is incorporated for location sharing and call-to-service functionality.

The system of the present invention is applied in the indoor environment where compliance that owning a large group of indoor habitats. The indoor environment mentioned in the present invention is a group of places selected from, but not limited to, high-rise apartment complexes, hotels, railway platforms, places of worship, educational campuses, etc. The first responders who provide the emergency response of the present invention is personnel inside the indoor environment who are selected from the group, but not limited to, medical personnels, security personnels, first aid provider, physician, safety officer, etc.

One of the main aspects of the present invention is it is a single-person indoor mobility solution with a lightweight, compact, and robust motorized vehicle that can be carried, when necessary, situation occurs. The structure of the vehicle allows the container to act as a part of the load bearing members while also containing the equipment.

As illustrated in Figs. 1 & 2, the system (100) of the present invention comprises a foldable, electrically powered two-wheeled vehicle (200) equipped with essential medical equipment and medications. The foldable two-wheeled electric rescue vehicle (200) comprises a frame (202) with a first elongated member and a second elongated member; a hub motor system (204); a handle with accelerator and brakes (201); a siren and LED flash light; a quick-deployable privacy shield (208); a body enclosure (206) detachably secured to the frame (202); a battery (210) and a map display unit (212).

The foldable two-wheeled electric rescue (200) vehicle comprises a frame with a first elongated member and a second elongated member. The first elongated member is positioned substantially parallel to a ground surface and provides support to the emergency medical kit used for recue of the patient. whereas the second elongated member angled relative to the first member and extending towards a seating area. Further, the second elongate member provides a seating arrangement for the first responder (400) to be carried by the vehicle (200) to an incident location identified with the help of emergency signal from the emergency subsystem of the system. The handle of the vehicle is provided with accelerator and brake (201) for control the vehicle in the confined space. Further, the acceleration affordance by the vehicle is provided by the right handle and a mechanical brake on the hand as well.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the frame (202) used in the vehicles is made up of metallic material for providing the firm support to hold the body enclosure as well as the first responder. The frame (202) is designed using two main square tubes whereas one tube runs parallel to the ground and the other tube is slightly angled at nearly the center. There are a two foldable leg supports are attached to the front end of the frame and providing shelves during the emergency rescue. The body parts of the frame are divided into two sections. These sections are connected with snap fit and supported on brackets welded on the frame. The battery used to provide power the hub motor system, siren, lights, and battery indicator. The battery (210) is a 24 V battery, which is fixed with a bracket on the frame (as not shown in Fig.) of the vehicle.

The two-wheeled emergency rescue vehicle (200) comprise a front and rear wheel (203) where the front wheel is driven by the electric hub motor system (204) for propelling the vehicle and the rear wheel is free-wheeling wheel that follows the front wheel. The wheel axes are supported by the two ends of the parallel tube of the frame. The wheelbase of the vehicle is limited to half a meter, hence limiting the overall size. The vehicle is provided with shoulder straps for carrying or lifting the vehicle like a backpack during stair navigation. The straps are attached to hooks welded in the frame at four locations and support a well-balanced lift. A provision of rotating the handle is provided to allow for ease in lifting. Fig. 3 shows the structure of the vehicle while (A) carrying the first responder and (B) first responder carrying the vehicle in folded condition.

In the preferred embodiment, the vehicle is equipped with shoulder straps to facilitate carrying or lifting the vehicle like a backpack when navigating stairs. The foldable feature is utilized exclusively for folding the footrest. Additionally, for the purpose of carrying the vehicle as a backpack, the vehicle's stem is designed to be extendable. This configuration ensures that the footrest can be compactly folded for convenience, while the extendable stem provides adjustable support for comfortable carrying.

The quick-deployable privacy shield (208), as shown in Fig. 4, of the present invention is rapidly deployed in any orientation, providing privacy shield that protects the patient from external observation and camera surveillance. It provides three-sided protection for the patient while not hindering the first responder's access during emergency treatment. This shield structure is folded and secured inside the frame of the foldable two-wheeled electric rescue vehicle. Further, it has two access handles provided where one end supported by inserting into a T slot and other end is pulled apart to form a privacy shield.

In an embodiment, the privacy shield (208) is constructed using origami structure which stands out from the vehicle on its own (i.e., without any support) and is used to cover a patient's chest area from three sides if needed. The origami structure is manufactured using the process of heat creasing, this part has a unique structure that opens in both horizontal and vertically slanting directions. In this embodiment, this origami privacy shield structure has a design that stops views from a person standing 1.5 feet away.

Fig. 5 shows the body enclosure (206) of the present invention is provided with a quick and unobtrusive door-opening mechanism (205), designed to provide rapid access to various medical equipment and medications from one side of the vehicle. It is designed with multiple openings for rapid access to various medical supplies and medications housed within segregated boxes with formed foam inserts. Further, the color coding and symbols included on the medical equipment in order to facilitate easy identification of medical equipment type and is shown in Fig. 6.

In an embodiment, the door of the body enclosure is a flexible silicone sheet attached to the top of the frame with a magnet. The opening mechanism includes a preloaded spring that pulls the door open as soon as it is disengaged from the magnet, exposing the medical equipment.

The emergency subsystem (300), as shown in Fig. 7, within the indoor environment of the system of present invention is configured to transmit an emergency signal. It includes a latch push button, Arduino Uno microcontroller, and RA-01 module, facilitates the transmission of an emergency signal upon activation. Further, the RA-01 module is paired with Arduino Uno at the designated response location receives the emergency signal. The identified location is indicated in an LED light indicator on a map display unit precisely pinpoints the location of the emergency on the map of the entire indoor environment, enabling rapid identification and response by the first responder of the emergency treatment. The system employs LoRa (Long Range) protocol for efficient communication between an emergency subsystem and the map display unit.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the map display unit (212), as shown in Fig. 8, is designed to receive incoming signals and, upon receiving a signal, it activates an LED indicator. This LED is strategically placed on the map at the precise location that corresponds to the source or intended point of the signal. The illumination of the LED serves as a visual cue, allowing users to quickly identify the exact position on the map that relates to the signal, enhancing the clarity and usability of the map for real-time navigation or monitoring.

Upon reaching the location of the emergency incident, the foldable vehicle is placed steadily on the ground using a stand (207), allowing access to the medical equipment and medications. The unobstructive opening mechanism consisting of a quick-release spring, magnet stopper, and sliders, are used to provide opening and access to the equipment. The silicone sheet, which serves as a protective cover for the equipment, rolls down to allow access to the contents. The integration of communication, mobility, and patient privacy into one system is utilized to serve the trauma or cardiac patients in the critical period of time in order improve their chance of survival.

In an embodiment, the electric motor-driven emergency rescue vehicle is designed to be driven at 13 kmph within indoor environment with the requirement to travel at least 1.5 kms within 7 mins.

In accordance to the present invention, the method, as shown in Fig. 9, for providing rapid emergency medical response within an indoor environment, wherein the method involves the steps of: pressing an emergency button located in the indoor environment and generating an emergency signal; transmitting the emergency signal through emergency subsystem to a first responder; identifying the location of the emergency signal using a map display unit programmed with a layout of the indoor; deploying an emergency response vehicle to the identified location; transporting medical equipment within the vehicle to the identified location; and providing access to the medical equipment for providing emergency treatments.

The method allows the organization or compliance whoever using the present invention to place the emergency latch push button in the distributed area of the indoor facilities. The map display unit is configured to receive the signal and illuminate an LED indicator positioned on the map at the location corresponding to the signal. The emergency signal generated once the signal gets triggered by pressing the button in the area of emergency incident takes place.

In another embodiment, in accordance to the method of the present invention, the emergency signal is notified to the emergency rescue vehicle which is nearest to the emergency incident. In case of one or more emergency signals present, it is processed with the priority which emergency signal is nearest or vicinity of the vehicle and deployed with the nearest vehicle to the emergency treatments.

The present invention advantageously provides a compact, motorized two-wheeled vehicle allows first responders to reach incident locations in large indoor environment by minimizing response times and improving patient chance of survival. The front-wheel drive configuration facilitates maneuverability in tight spaces often encountered within indoor environments. The quick-opening mechanism provides fast and unobstructed access to medical equipment, enabling first responders to administer care swiftly. Further, the color coding and/or symbols on the equipment or packaging simplify the identification of required medical equipment and medications and thereby saving valuable time during an emergency. The deployable origami-style privacy shield ensures patient confidentiality during treatment. The LoRa communication system facilitates efficient coordination between first responders, central hubs, and other units, ensuring a unified response effort. The combination of a readily deployable vehicle, integrated communication system, and organized medical supplies enables first responders to swiftly locate and treat patients in need.

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope of the invention as claimed.
, Claims:1. A system (100) for providing rapid emergency response within an indoor environment using a foldable vehicle (200), wherein the system comprises of:
a. a frame (202) with a first elongated member configured to run substantially parallel to a ground surface and a second elongated member configured to be angled relative to the first member and extend towards a seating area;
b. a hub motor system (204) to propel the electric rescue vehicle with front and rear wheels (203);
c. a handle associated with accelerator and brakes (201) to control the mobility of the rescue vehicle (200);
d. a quick-deployable privacy shield (208) to provide protection in three directions;
e. a body enclosure (206) detachably secured to the frame (202), wherein the body enclosure comprising multiple openings for storing a medical equipment;
f. a battery (210) to power the hub motor, siren, lights, and battery indicator;
g. an emergency subsystem (300) within the indoor environment is configured to transmit an emergency signal; and
h. a map display unit (212) programmed with a layout of the indoor environment, wherein the map display unit (212) is configured to receive the emergency signal and illuminate an LED indicator positioned on the map at the location corresponding to the signal.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle is a foldable two-wheeled electric rescue vehicle (200) for providing rapid emergency care by carrying a first responder (400) and medical equipment within the indoor environment.

3. The system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the foldable vehicle (200) includes front wheel of the vehicles is hub motor driven and rear wheel (203) is free wheel that follows the front wheel.

4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the foldable vehicle (200) comprises shoulder straps for securing transport of the vehicle.

5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the foldable vehicle (200) comprises an integrated communication system for allowing swift summoning of vehicle during emergencies.

6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the quick-deployable patient privacy shield (208) is a folding origami structure that is compactly stored within the foldable vehicle (200).

7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body enclosure (206) is a medical emergency kit, wherein the medical emergency kit or equipment includes a quick-opening mechanism (205) for accessing the medical equipment without time delay.

8. The system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the quick-opening mechanism (205) of the medical emergency kit comprising a quick-release spring, magnet stopper, and sliders.

9. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the emergency subsystem (300) comprising a latch push button, a microcontroller, and a communication module.

10. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the emergency subsystem (300) is worn by a person or placed in the accessible to a person within the indoor environment.

11. A method for providing rapid emergency medical response within an indoor environment, wherein the method involves the steps of:
a. pressing an emergency button located in the indoor environment and generating an emergency signal;
b. transmitting the emergency signal through emergency subsystem to a first responder;
c. identifying the location of the emergency signal using a map display unit programmed with a layout of the indoor;
d. deploying an emergency response vehicle to the identified location;
e. transporting medical equipment within the vehicle to the identified location; and
f. providing emergency treatments by using the medical equipment’s stored in the vehicle.

12. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the map display unit is configured to receive the signal and illuminate an LED indicator positioned on the map at the location corresponding to the signal.

13. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the emergency signal is notified to the emergency vehicle which is nearest to the emergency incident.

14. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the emergency signals are processed with the priority based on the vicinity of the vehicle to the emergency incident.