In podcast episode 152, Ing. Madeleine Mickeleit delves into innovative IoT solutions for emergency services, presented by Alexander Djemaa, Head of Business Development at A1 Digital, and Gunter Ernst, Managing Director of medDV. The focus is on a solution that enables real-time communication between ambulances, control centers and hospitals.
Episode 152 at a glance (and click):
Podcast episode summary
A1 Digital and medDV explain how targeted networking and data integration can enhance the efficiency and quality of emergency operations. The digital emergency service protocol NIDAmobile from medDV, which standardizes operational documentation and sustainably optimizes processes. This is supported by A1 Digital’s IoT connectivity solutions, which ensure stable data connections even in remote areas thanks to multi-network SIM technology.
This technology enables seamless real-time communication between ambulances, control centers, and hospitals, significantly improving processes such as early patient registration and handovers. Operational data such as vital signs, location information, and insurance details are seamlessly integrated into existing IT systems, supporting the entire process from first aid to billing. The highest security standards are a top priority: encrypted data transmission via VPN and APN ensures the protection of sensitive patient data.
The presented solution offers significant advantages for quality assurance and billing processes, as digital workflows enhance both transparency and speed. The traceability of operational and treatment data also increases patient safety and helps minimize errors. The implementation addresses industry-specific challenges, including the diverse requirements of stakeholders such as municipalities, hospitals, and emergency services.
A fascinating look into the future reveals that telemedicine and remote monitoring of vital signs offer additional applications for these technologies. The presented approaches have the potential to sustainably transform not only emergency services but also other areas of the healthcare sector. A1 Digital and medDV present a comprehensive solution that elevates the digitization of emergency services to a new level and sets the stage for future developments.
Podcast interview
Today I’m taking you on a journey into a new IoT Use Case – innovative, practical and with real added value for human lives. Imagine there’s an accident: the emergency services treat the patient and share information, such as the location of the incident, with the fire department. From there, data like vital signs, heart rate, or measurements from medical devices are transmitted – first to the command vehicle, then to the control center, and finally to the hospital.
In the end, the attending doctor stands before a team of medical staff, ready for an emergency that might not even exist. Or worse: a patient arrives, and the hospital is unprepared. Sounds a bit like a game of telephone, doesn’t it? But it doesn’t have to be this way anymore.
Today, we’re showing you how digital solutions in emergency services can solve these problems. You’ll learn how incident protocols, data integration, and patient safety are being completely reimagined. Does something like this already exist in your city? Personally, I’d feel reassured if it did – just in case something ever happens to me.
Joining us today: Gunter Ernst, biomedical engineer, co-founder, and CEO of medDV, as well as Alexander Djemaa, Head of Business Development at A1 Digital, responsible for the connectivity of this solution. And with that: Let’s head to the podcast studio – let’s go!
Welcome, Alexander and Gunther. Gunther, how are you doing, and where are you right now?
Gunter
I’m just sitting in my office, well-prepared, and looking forward to the podcast. I’m curious to see how it goes.
That’s great. When you say office, that means you’re in Hesse, right?
Gunter
That’s right. We are located a bit north of Frankfurt, in the lovely Fernwald along the A5, in a new building we moved into in 2022. And that’s where I’m sitting now.
Quick follow-up question: How many employees do you have at medDV?
Gunter
We now have 120 employees.
Wow, that’s impressive growth. I think we’ll come back to you later. Alexander, where are you right now?
Alexander
Yes, you’ve caught me at home. I’m working from home, and I’m excited to be here with you today.
I’m also very curious about the project you’re working on and eager to learn some best practices from you. Maybe a question to start: How did this collaboration come about? Why are you here today, and how did your companies connect? Is there a personal story or background to this?
Alexander
It’s actually a pretty straightforward story. We have a partner company that I’ve worked with for years, and they’ve often been involved with medDV. We discussed topics like M2M SIM cards, security, transmission quality, national roaming, and integrations with different platforms. Then a colleague said, “I know someone you should talk to.” And that’s how we came together.
That’s interesting. You’ve already delved right into the technical and connectivity topics. So, what’s behind your project? Could you briefly explain what it’s about? What project have you brought with you today?
Gunter
Exactly. We have been working on mobile data acquistion in emergency medical services for over 20 years. In the past, paper protocols were used; now everything is digitally documented. The goal is to optimize all processes and digitalize the entire rescue chain from start to finish.
It starts with the emergency call at the control center. All information must be transferred from the control center to the ambulance – this is the first step that is digitally transmitted. Various data is then collected, for example using medical technology. Insurance cards are scanned, and as much as possible is automated. Another major interface is sending data to the hospital in advance, even before the patient arrives.
Additionally, there are data transmissions for quality management or feedback to the control center to provide a comprehensive picture of the situation on-site.
Why is this digitalization so important? Up to now, there have been many media disruptions. Information was often passed on verbally or through third parties. Now, the data flows directly from the control center to the ambulance and then to the attending physician at the hospital. This greatly improves communication as it is based on reliable data rather than verbal transmissions.
I’d like to follow up: What exactly is your core business? If I understand correctly, you’re primarily active in the software sector. I’d like to know more about your core business – who are your customers, and what are your products? Can you briefly explain what medDV does?
Gunter
medDV stands for medical data processing, and our core product is mobile data acquisition. To better market the software, we eventually developed hardware as well – the NIDApad. The software is also called NIDA, which stands for Emergency Information Documentation Assistant. We see ourselves as an assistive system that supports users, for example, with reference works, drug directories, or helpful notifications.
That is our core, but a lot has developed around it: software for analyzing operations, software for hospital operations, and currently a very hot topic – telemedicine, particularly the tele-emergency doctor. This requires extensive data transmission and is currently a major trend in Germany, as the tele-emergency doctor is being introduced in many federal states.
Interesting! Are your customers hospitals, or who actually contracts you?
Gunter
It’s very diverse. Hospitals are included, but traditionally we also work with aid organizations such as the Red Cross, Johanniter, ASB, or Malteser. In addition, there are professional fire departments and the so-called emergency service providers. Often, counties are responsible for emergency services and act as public clients. We frequently work with counties, entire federal states, or professional fire departments, which are also public clients.
I see, okay. You’ve already mentioned the direction you’re taking. So, one more question: What is your company vision – for yourselves and your customers? Where do you want to go in the coming years? What’s happening in the market? Are there new requirements coming your way?
Gunter
Our vision is to continuously simplify documentation and improve the networking of the various players in the healthcare system – I’ll broaden it a bit here. As a market-leading company, we want to remain at the forefront and lead the way as a driver of innovation.
Okay, I see. So it’s about use cases in digital documentation – digitizing manual paper processes – but also about monitoring and traceability, tracking data that needs to be shared with third parties. That’s the idea, right?
Gunter
Correct.
[07:28] Challenges, potentials and status quo – This is what the use case looks like in practice
Very interesting. The fact is that your customers have to invest in technology and solutions, which is also associated with costs. The question is, why do they do it? I’d like to discuss the business case: Why are your customers willing to invest? Can you explain whether there’s a return-on-investment calculation or the time and money they save with your solution?
Gunter
You have to look at it from several angles. First, quality and quality management initially cost money before they provide benefits – that’s undoubtedly part of the truth. However, one area where we clearly optimize is billing. There are differences across federal states, as is typical in a federal system. However, everyone must transmit data to health insurance companies.
When this is done digitally, the error rate decreases significantly, there are fewer returns, and this leads to a direct liquidity gain – that’s a fact. In some federal states, it is increasingly required by law to submit complete documentation, either to the payers or, simply put, to the ministry. To meet these requirements, digitalization is indispensable. Transmitting data digitally is easier if it is acquired digitally from the beginning, rather than being recreated later as memory-based protocols on a PC.
Another point is telemedicine, especially the tele-emergency doctor. Here, the shortage of emergency doctors plays a role. Many cases don’t require an emergency doctor on-site and can be handled excellently via telemedicine, This saves significant costs. It’s important to emphasize that this isn’t about replacing emergency doctors but rather about using this valuable resource where it’s truly needed.
I see. When you mention targeted use of emergency doctors, I imagine that’s also important for emergency calls. There must be interfaces where information is transmitted to the hospital in advance, such as the type of patient being admitted or the injuries involved. Theoretically, it’s possible to share such data. Is that already being done, or is it something you’re working on implementing?
Gunter
That’s actually part of what we do. In the past, before our system was implemented, things often worked like this: Take a car accident, for example. The fire department is responsible for the technical aspects, while the emergency medical service handles the medical care. Someone from the EMS might treat a patient trapped in the vehicle and determine that they have, for instance, a broken arm and leg.
A firefighter would ask about the patient’s condition, and the EMS would relay the information. The firefighter would then pass it on to the radio operator in the command vehicle, who would inform the control center. From there, the hospital would be called, the information would be passed to a nurse, and the nurse would notify the attending physician.
You can imagine how well that game of “telephone” works. I worked in EMS for over 15 years and experienced it many times. For example, a team of doctors might be ready for a severe case, and we’d arrive with a minor head wound – not so critical. Worse is the opposite scenario: arriving with a seriously injured patient only to find the hospital unprepared because they didn’t know better – no blame there.
This is where we come in. We enable as much information as possible to be transmitted directly and digitally from the scene to the hospital and its information system. This gives the hospital a crucial time advantage. They can prepare optimally because they know exactly when the patient will arrive – for example, in 28 minutes and 30 seconds. This is achieved through precise data transmission, routing calculations, and predictions.
Very exciting! I think everyone can relate to this, as it affects not only society but is also a significant political issue. Resources are limited, and efficiency and error prevention are critical. You mentioned a trend earlier – telemedicine. Could you tell us more about that?
Gunter
Exactly. Telemedicine is indeed a major trend. Many federal states are planning to introduce tele-emergency doctors on a regional or national scale or are already in the process of tendering. I’d predict that within five years, tele-emergency doctors will be available nationwide in Germany.
So, does this mean someone is live at the scene via video or audio in real time? Is that correct?
Gunter
Yes, exactly. A tele-emergency doctor is virtually present during the operation. This can include video communication as well as the transmission of live EKGs and vital parameters such as heart rate, blood pressure, pulse, or oxygen saturation. The tele-emergency doctor can give remote instructions, such as administering oxygen or inserting an IV. The actions carried out on-site are then transmitted back to the tele-emergency doctor in real time, so they know exactly what has already been done and can provide the best possible support remotely.
Fascinating! I’ll try to steer the conversation toward the technical aspects now. Many listeners might be wondering how they could adapt something like this for their own use case. I have a thousand questions about this, but let’s focus on IoT topics and data integration. You mentioned that various data types are necessary.
I’m particularly curious about which real-time data is used and into which IT systems it needs to be integrated. Could you explain how you implement this in your setup?
Gunter
The IT systems are ultimately customized for each client, so it’s hard to generalize. Essentially, there’s a mobile unit and a server, and most processes are web-based. Common real-time protocols, including various IoT protocols, are used as they’re well-suited for the purpose.
Our primary focus is ensuring high data encryption to protect against third parties. This is where A1 comes in, offering additional solutions that Alexander can certainly elaborate on. For video transmissions, we use standard protocols, just like others – it’s not rocket science.
I see. When we talk about data, it’s probably vital parameters, as you mentioned earlier, as well as data from the operation itself. These must be integrated into the hospital’s IT system to enable communication between the control center and the hospital, correct?
Gunter
Yes and no. For the tele-emergency doctor center, we developed our own software that processes data internally – from us to us. Regarding hospitals, we transmit standardized data such as protocols in PDF format, EKGs in specific formats, images, and structured data like name, surname, or date of birth. This allows the patient to be pre-registered before they arrive.
Before the patient even reaches the hospital – understood. Okay. You chose A1 as a partner. Transitioning to the solution: What were the key requirements where you said, “If these are met, this will be a success”? What was especially important to you, and why did you select A1?
Gunter
There are many crucial aspects. A key one is being able to cover multiple networks. We need the most stable and reliable communication possible, especially when transmitting sensitive and critical data. For that, the best network coverage is essential, which can only be achieved by using multiple networks rather than relying on just one. That’s precisely what A1 provides.
Additionally, we need a strong partner who can meet these requirements. This includes areas you might not immediately think of, like logistics: How do the SIM cards get to us? How are they activated, monitored, and billed? How do we keep track of the data volume? All these factors are critical for us to reliably deliver these solutions to our customers. For this, you need a partner who performs well and collaborates efficiently.
[16:24] Solutions, offerings and services – A look at the technologies used
I’m curious: Before we talk about your solution, what needs to be considered with such data transmissions? There are many options available on the market. What should be kept in mind for this case, or similar ones? Are there pitfalls where you’d say, ‘You really need to watch out for this’? Can you share any insights?
Alexander
Gunther has already mentioned how important it is to be able to use multiple networks nationally. This is essential to ensure stable transmission, as there are still significant coverage gaps in individual networks. With this solution, the medDV hardware can choose which network to connect to.
Even across borders?
Alexander
This primarily concerns Germany, but we’ve also included neighboring countries. For medDV, we developed a special tariff tailored precisely to their applications, including integration with up to three networks in neighboring countries.
There were additional requirements as well, like medDV having a private APN and VPN.
For secure data encryption?
Alexander
Exactly. Another important topic is medDV’s platform, which they use to manage and operate their system. We offer managed SIM cards that can be activated, deactivated, and configured with various features, giving them full control.
We also developed an API, specifically a REST-API, which medDV uses. This allows the functionalities of our SIM management platform to be directly integrated into the medDV platform. Everything can then be managed from a single platform, saving a lot of time and money.
I see. To revisit the data value chain: You start with data acquisition – Gunther, you mentioned your hardware is called the NIDApad, right? This device captures, processes, and transmits the data. The network connectivity provided by A1 forms the transition. Would it be fair to say that one part ends where the other begins?
Gunter
Yes, that’s exactly right. The NIDApad is a tablet PC, which of course includes a modem with a SIM card. When we need to communicate with external parties like control centers, hospitals, or tele-emergency doctors, we rely on the SIM card to establish the mobile connection. That’s precisely where A1 comes into play.
I see, okay. For those who are unfamiliar with it: I just googled it. It looks a bit like an HMI, as it’s called in the industry – a rugged tablet used for visualizing and pre-processing data. I’ll add the link to the show notes so you can check it out. It really looks fascinating. From there, the data is transmitted via the integrated SIM card into a network.
One more question, Alex: You mentioned multiple countries earlier. How do you choose the technology for this? What product do you offer, and based on which criteria do you decide which network to use?
Alexander
We usually work with a predefined matrix. If the hardware is in Network A and a certain signal level drops below the threshold, it automatically switches to Network B, and so on. For medDV, we disabled this feature in certain areas. The NIDApad has the intelligence to independently select which network to connect to.
Okay, and from there the data is probably transferred into software where it’s further processed. Does that run on medDV’s software again? How does the data visualization and analysis part work?
Gunter
That is correct. Everything runs on our software. The data is first captured on the tablet PC and then transferred to a server. We also developed the software running on the server, as well as the user interface that accesses the server.
It might sound complex, but it’s actually straightforward: A web client or similar tool is used to access the acquired data. As you mentioned, the data needs to be visualized – such as images, EKGs, emergency protocols, or findings. This is done via web-based systems, so a browser accesses the server. With the appropriate roles and permissions, the data can be viewed and further processed.
What’s particularly important in your case are the various roles and permissions of the individual players. I have another question about that: It’s also about networking all the players in this chain. How does IT integration work for you? Do you do it through your software? Do you have interfaces, and who is responsible for this?
Gunter
That’s correct, interfaces are a major focus for us. I already mentioned the topic of control centers. There isn’t just one software provider for control centers; there are multiple providers. For all of these, we need software-based interfaces.
Then, we transmit data to hospitals, and there are also numerous software providers in that area. We integrate data into billing systems, and here, too, there are various providers. Additionally, we work with medical devices, and not every EMS uses the same EKG or ventilation devices. We need to communicate with all these different systems. Interfaces are, therefore, a critical focus for us.
That’s really interesting because I often cover traditional industrial topics on this podcast. The challenges seem quite similar: different hardware and players on one side, and IT integration into various systems on the other.
I’d like to know if and how this case could be transferred to the industrial sector. Do you see any parallels? The solution behind it sounds very similar.
Alexander
There are many cases that are similar in principle, but none are identical. A1 Digital is capable of analyzing each case individually and developing a tailored solution based on that. Elements of our solutions are also used in industrial environments, of course, but the requirements vary.
Okay, let me briefly summarize: Together, you’ve managed to transmit patient data and other relevant information along this – let’s call it – supply chain logistics in real time. The process is secure, network-independent, and efficient, tailored to the respective business cases.
The business case for you, Gunther, seems to lie in the software solution, which provides your customers with improved billing and similar benefits. You’ve accomplished all this together in this project – or where do you currently stand?
Gunter
You’ve summarized it perfectly. I couldn’t have said it better.
Perfect. For listeners thinking, “I don’t have this exact case, but something similar,” I’ll link your contacts in the show notes. That way, they can connect with Gunther and Alex, discuss their use cases, and maybe find common ground.
For many listeners from the healthcare sector, but also from other industries.
[24:15] Transferability, Scaling, and Next Steps – Here’s how you can use this use case.
Do you have any best practices that you have learned from this project? Anything to watch out for to save time, money, or effort? Are there specific lessons you’d like to share from this project?
Gunter
From my perspective, the key to such projects is good project management. And good project management consists of two things: openness and honesty – in other words, transparency – and good interpersonal relationships. Project management means being able to work with people. The most important prerequisite is communicating challenges as clearly and effectively as solutions. I believe that’s crucial in a project like this.
Alexander
What’s becoming increasingly important, especially due to requirements in the public sector and legal regulations, is the focus on secure connections. With our solution, we’ve ensured that both medDV’s data and patient data are secure.
Yes, that’s exactly what matters in this project. A1 Digital is constantly evolving, building partnerships, and working on many exciting projects. What can we look forward to in the future? Not just for 2025, but also beyond – can you tell us a bit about what’s going on? What are you currently working on?
Alexander
We’re also strongly represented in the construction industry, connecting construction machines and vehicles. Additionally, we have logistical applications, such as tracking containers. Our field of application is very broad, as we offer complete solutions in the industries we’re involved in as a full-stack provider.
One area that’s particularly exciting right now is BLE – Bluetooth Low Energy. This technology helps us connect small devices in the crafts sector or even in the retail industry to track where specific items are located. New cases are constantly emerging, which is what makes IoT so fascinating.
Yes, absolutely! I think many people in our network or listening to this podcast might already know you. Feel free to check out A1 Digital – I’ll include the link in the show notes. We’ve showcased some of your projects on our platform, and more are on the way.
It was fantastic having you both here today. This project was a personal highlight for me because it’s something quite different. Thank you both so much! I think we’ve clearly outlined why the business case is important, what to consider, and how it all works. It was engaging and a lot of fun. Thank you for your time, and I’ll let you both have the final word.
Gunter
Thank you, Madeleine! I also found it very engaging, and the questions were great. You clearly know your way around this field. It was great fun. Thanks for the opportunity!
Alexander
Exactly, I agree. Thank you both so much! It was an insightful discussion, and I think some listeners might follow up with questions. We’re open to that and happy to hear from anyone.
That’s great! Thank you, and have a wonderful rest of the week.
Take care, bye!
Alexander
You too, bye!