St.Luke’s United Health Network, including St. Luke’s Phillipsburg, completed an extensive overhaul of its communications hardware and software to bring state-of-the art digital technology to its emergency services.

The upgrade was necessary to improve communication between an EMT or paramedic in the field and the emergency room clinical teams. This allows the ER to best mobilize resources based on the patient’s condition.

According to St. Luke’s Corporate Communications Director Sam Kennedy, a new CAREpoint ED to EMS Workstation at every emergency room in the system. The workstations feature more than one in- and outbound communication line, EKG transmission capability, fax lines, expansion capabilities for both video and short messaging and direct connection with regional 911 centers. All interactions from the workstations are recorded for later review.

The upgrade was phased in over six months at a cost of $100,000. It gives the EMS providers flexibility to contact a St. Luke’s ER via cell phone, ambulance radio or direct radio patch with EMS.