FR2826147A1 - System to provide rescue workers with information pertaining to a victim, uses central system that can be remotely accessed to hold victim data and requires entry of code by user and victim's code to access data - Google Patents

Abstract

The system uses a computer (1), which can be accessed via a computer or telephone network, to hold (4) data on the victim. The computer stores an access code and an identifier (7) assigned to each victim type user and an access code for each rescue worker type user. The rescuer must enter their access code then the code of the victim to gain access to the data.

Description

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 The subject of the present invention is a system allowing first aiders to quickly access information, inter alia medical, concerning a victim, in particular in the event of a traffic accident.

 US patent 5,995,965 discloses a system allowing access to medical data in the event of an accident, comprising a smart card, a reader capable of reading this card and a local processing unit connected via from a computer network such as the Internet, to a remote processing unit in which medical data is stored. When a card is inserted into the reader, the local processing unit automatically connects to the remote processing unit by means of an electronic address contained in a memory of the card or in a memory of the local processing unit.

After checking various data, the remote processing unit sends medical data concerning the card holder to the local processing unit. It is also possible for a doctor to enter data on the local treatment unit in order to update the data which is saved by the remote treatment unit.

 The system described in this prior patent is relatively complex, since the card necessarily includes an electronic component in order to store data.

The card is therefore expensive, and moreover it is relatively fragile, risking being damaged by static electricity discharges, shocks, fire or liquids and being unusable on the day of the accident.

 In addition, the user must be equipped with a card reader and a local processing unit, which can represent a relatively high cost. This known system also requires emergency services to transport specific equipment to the accident site and requires the establishment of a computer link of sufficient quality to allow the exchange of data between the local processing unit and the remote processing unit, which is not always possible in the field.

 Finally, US patent 5,995,965 does not exclude the possibility, in the event of theft or loss of a card, that an unauthorized third party may access the medical data of its holder, which is obviously not desirable.

 There is therefore a need to have a system enabling rescuers to easily access information concerning a victim, in particular in the event of a traffic accident, which is relatively inexpensive, reliable and easy to use, in particular on the land, while offering reasonable guarantees against unauthorized access

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 authorized to medical data.

 The invention responds to this need thanks to a new system allowing rescuers to access information concerning a victim, in particular in the event of a traffic accident, comprising: computer means accessible via a computer and / or telephone network , with data storage means able to memorize: + an access code and an identifier assigned to each victim type user, + an access code assigned to at least one rescue worker type, control means '' access to allow a victim type user, after recognition of a specific access code, to enter personal data, in particular medical data, and a rescue type user, after recognition of a specific access code and communication of an identifier, access to personal data, in particular medical data, of the victim type user corresponding to this identifier, and specific support for each victim type user, comprising the identifier at least apparently.

 The identifier can be a series of alphanumeric characters without any mention of the age or date of birth of the victim type user, nor of their gender or place of birth, so as to give no information on this user.

The identifier can be a sequence of less than fifteen characters and include letters and / or numbers. The identifier can also include or consist of a bar code.

 The invention offers numerous advantages over the system described in the aforementioned US Patent 5,995,965.

 First of all, the specific support for each victim type user can be devoid of any electronic component and can consist of a simple card bearing a printed, engraved or embossed number. It is therefore easy to produce thanks to the invention a support in a material resistant to impact, to liquids, or even to relatively high temperatures. Thus, in the event of an accident, the chances for the rescuer to be able to access the medical data are increased compared to the system described in US Pat. No. 5,995,965. In addition, due to its simplicity, the support can be produced in a number

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 relatively large number of copies without significant additional cost, which allows the victim type user to carry a support on him and fix one on his vehicle, for example, in particular on the dashboard or windshield of this, or even to make the identifier visible on a window or on a predetermined part of the bodywork, for example by engraving it.

 In addition, by using a specific access code for each victim type user to access and modify personal data, the system makes it possible to avoid unauthorized access to personal data in the event of loss or support flight.

 To further reduce the risk of unauthorized modification of the personal data of victim type users, the access control means can be arranged so as to authorize a rescue type user only to read the personal data of a victim type user, without the possibility of modifying them. In addition, the IT resources can be arranged to periodically renew the access code or codes allocated to users of the first aid type in order to limit the risk that in the event of accidental dissemination to the public of the access code of a user of rescuer type, unauthorized persons can access personal data of victim type users.

 Another advantage of the invention compared to the system described in US Pat. No. 5,995,965 lies in the possibility for the rescuer to obtain data concerning the victim type user without having to send a large number of data to the computer means. . Indeed, after recognition of a user of the first aid type, the simple communication of the identifier of the victim can be sufficient to cause the sending to the first aid of the data, in particular medical, concerning this victim. Thus, the communication of the identifier to the computer means is likely to be done by means of a simple cellular telephone, in particular when the identifier consists of a relatively short series of alphanumeric characters.

 In a particular implementation of the invention, the computer means comprise a device allowing the wireless transmission of personal data from a victim type user to a first aid type user. Rescuers can therefore benefit from medical data relating to a victim at the scene of the accident, which improves the first aid provided. The aforementioned device can be arranged to allow the sending of personal data concerning a victim type user to

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 reception means such as a mobile telephone, possibly equipped with a modem or a printer.

 In one implementation of the invention, the system includes a device making it possible to receive location information emanating from a victim type user or from a rescue type user.

 This location information can come from the victim type user himself, either because his vehicle is equipped with a beacon automatically activated in the event of an accident and programmed to exchange data with the system according to the invention, or because the victim type user is still aware and able to call for help. The victim type user can be equipped with a portable telephone comprising a specially programmed key for automatically contacting the system according to the invention and transmitting the user identifier.

 The location information can also come from the rescuer type user, either because the latter by connecting to the system also communicates position information, or because the system is arranged to locate the call automatically. of the rescuer type user, for example by triangulation or because the rescuer's telephone is coupled to a GPS type location device.

 Data concerning a victim can be sent to users of the first aid type by a voice server, which then has the advantage of allowing the use of a relatively simple mobile telephone by the user of the first aid type.

In this case, the identifier is for example a number easy to enter on the telephone keypad and the system is arranged to recognize the keys on the keypad pressed. Provision may also be made for a user of the first aid type to be able to call a remote operator, provided that the latter enter the keyboard of a computer connected to the computer means according to the invention, for example by the Internet or by a Intranet network, the information transmitted by the user of the first aid type. Then, this operator can possibly indicate orally to the rescuers the personal data, in particular medical, of the victim which are displayed on the screen of his computer.

 The system may include selection means capable of, when the system receives location information from a victim type user, select the nearest rescue center and be arranged to address reception means equipping the rescue services with the data. indicating the place of the accident and personal data, in particular

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 medical, victim-type user. The aforementioned selection means may also be able to select, from location information received, the place of hospitalization adapted to receive the victim type user, and be arranged to address, to reception means equipping a rescuer , data mentioning the selected place of hospitalization and possibly the route allowing the quickest access to this place of hospitalization, taking into account the state of traffic for example.

 The user of the first aid type can be equipped with a device designed to connect automatically to the computer means and provide the latter with their specific access code, in particular in order to save time by avoiding having to manually enter the one -this. In addition, such a device can allow, if necessary, access by a user of the first aid type without the latter knowing the access code. The device can be arranged to allow automatic renewal of the access code, for example because it is generated by an algorithm predefined by the device or because periodically, the device receives data which allow updating of this access code.

- après cette vérification, permettre à l'utilisateur de type victime de saisir éventuellement un nouveau code d'accès et de fournir au serveur des données personnelles, - mémoriser lesdites données de manière à les rendre accessibles à un utilisateur de type secouriste se connectant au serveur, - générer un identifiant spécifique à l'utilisateur de type victime, et - fabriquer un support sur lequel l'identifiant est apparent. The subject of the invention is also a method of manufacturing a support carrying information allowing a user of the first aid type to access data concerning a user of the victim type, in particular in the event of a traffic accident, comprising the following steps: - generate by means of a computer server accessible by a computer and / or telephone network, for each victim-type user, a server access code, - check during connection to the server by a user victim type that the access code provided corresponds to the assigned access code,

- after this verification, allow the victim type user to possibly enter a new access code and provide the server with personal data, - memorize said data so as to make it accessible to a first aid type user connecting to server, - generate a user-specific identifier of the victim type, and - manufacture a medium on which the identifier is visible.

 The invention will be better understood on reading the detailed description which follows, of nonlimiting examples of implementation of the invention, and on examining the drawing

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- la figure 2 illustre le déroulement de différentes étapes dans un exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention jusqu'à l'envoi du support à l'utilisateur de type victime, - la figure 3 est une vue schématique illustrant l'intervention d'un utilisateur de type secouriste sur un utilisateur de type victime, - la figure 4 illustre le déroulement de différentes étapes dans un exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention jusqu'à l'envoi de données personnelles à l'utilisateur de type secouriste, la figure 5 illustre l'envoi à l'utilisateur de type secouriste, en plus des données personnelles, de données supplémentaires telles que par exemple des données concernant un centre d'hospitalisation adapté, et - la figure 6 illustre le déroulement de différentes étapes, dans une variante de mise en oeuvre de l'invention dans laquelle l'arrivée des secours fait suite à un appel de l'utilisateur de type victime. attached (which is an integral part of the description) in which: - Figure 1 is a schematic view to illustrate an example of the support manufacturing process,

- Figure 2 illustrates the progress of different stages in an example of implementation of the invention until the sending of the support to the victim type user, - Figure 3 is a schematic view illustrating the intervention of a user of the rescue type on a user of the victim type, FIG. 4 illustrates the progress of different stages in an example of implementation of the invention until the sending of personal data to the user of the rescue type , FIG. 5 illustrates the sending to the user of the rescuer type, in addition to the personal data, of additional data such as for example data concerning an adapted hospital center, and FIG. 6 illustrates the progress of different stages , in an alternative embodiment of the invention in which the arrival of the emergency services follows a call from the victim type user.

 Various elements have been shown in FIG. 1 for implementing the invention, namely a server 1 capable of communicating via a computer network, for example the Internet, with a computer 2 available to a sales professional. responsible for receiving for the first time the victim type users and a computer 3 available to a victim type user. The server 1 is connected to data storage means 4 and to a manufacturing unit 5 of a specific support 6, comprising an identifier 7 whose function will be specified below.

 Of course, the invention is not limited to the use of computers 2 and 3 as mentioned above, the latter possibly being replaced by computer processing units of another type.

 The computer 2 is used to enter data relating to a request addressed to the server 1 for the allocation to each victim type user of an access code which will be verified at the next connections of this user.

 A newly listed victim type user can receive the access code assigned to him at his home later, for example by mail, which allows him to connect with computer 3 to server 1.

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 After recognition of the access code, the victim type user can enter personal data, in particular medical data, on the computer 3.

 In the exemplary embodiment described, after the first connection to the server 1, the victim type user is assigned an identifier and the server 1 is arranged to send the manufacturing unit 5 sufficient information to allow the manufacture of the support 6 with the apparent identifier 7, for example in the form of a number embossed on a metal card.

 All the operations leading to the manufacture of the support 6 are summarized in FIG. 2, these operations constituting only one example.

 The first step 11 corresponds to the connection by a sales professional by means of the computer 2 to the server 1, via the Internet network. The next step 12 corresponds to the verification of the access code of this professional, after which, the professional can enter in step 13 data concerning a new user of the victim type, in particular information such as the identity of this new user and his contact details, in order to subsequently assign and send him an access code to the server 1. The server 1 generates in step 14 an access code assigned to the new user . This access code will be sent to the new victim type user at their address, for example their home address or an email address. Sending the new victim type user their access code corresponds to step 15. The victim type user can then connect to step 16 via the Internet to the server 1. The server 1 is arranged to verify in step 17 the access code which is communicated by the victim type user and, after verification, the user can enter in step 18 a new access code and personal data, in particular medical data. This data may include, for example, the names of people to be contacted in the event of an accident, the blood group, the products to which the victim type user is allergic, contraindications to medicines, statements concerning a possible seropositivity or the existence of a serious medical condition such as cancer, morphological information such as weight or height, the name of a hospital center where the victim-type user wishes to be hospitalized, if applicable, this list is not exhaustive. The server 1 is arranged to cause in step 19 the memorization of this data in the storage means 4. The server 1 is also arranged to assign in step 20 to the victim type user who connects for the first times to server 1 and who has, for example,

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 answered predetermined questions, an identifier and transmit to the manufacturing unit 5 information allowing the manufacture of the support 6 in step 21.

 The latter can have different embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. The support 6 can in particular be a simple plastic card on which is printed a series of alphanumeric characters corresponding to the identifier 7. Preferably, however, to make the support 6 a material resistant to a relatively high temperature, for example a sheet of plasticized stainless steel, the identifier 7 being for example engraved or embossed on this sheet. The support 6 can be devoid of electronic components but can also, as a variant, include a chip capable of storing information.

 The support may optionally be adhesive so as to allow its attachment to a window of a vehicle, for example, on a key ring or on a card, for example an identity or social security card. The holder can also be used as a keychain or payment card, if necessary. Preferably, each victim type user will receive several copies of the support 6, in order to increase the chances that in the event of an accident a rescuer will find one.

 The identifier can be a relatively short series of alphanumeric characters, for example less than fifteen characters and include letters.

 Preferably, the identifier does not include any information on the user of the corresponding victim type, in order to avoid, in particular when the support is stuck on a vehicle window, that the public may have knowledge of personal information such as for example the age of the victim-type user, as is the case for a social security number, part of which corresponds to information such as sex, date and place of birth.

 The server 1 is also arranged to generate an access code allowing a user of the rescue type to access the personal data of a victim type user, after recognition of this access code and communication of the corresponding identifier.

 FIG. 3 illustrates the intervention of a rescuer S on a user of the victim type V. It is assumed that the user of the rescuer type S has the support 6 carried by the victim V. The different stages of the intervention are summarized in Figure 4. The first step is for the rescuer S to connect using a phone

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 cell T to the server 1 in step 22 and then to enter the access code, this access code being verified in step 23 by the server.

 Once the access code of the user of the first-aid type S recognized, the user can communicate to the server 1 the identifier 7 which he reads on the support 6 in step 24 and the server 1 sends him back in step 25 the corresponding personal data, in particular medical data.

 The communication between the user of the first-aid type S and the server 1 can be carried out wirelessly, for example using a simplified Internet access protocol, for example WAP. The user of the first-aid type S can receive personal data on his mobile telephone T in the form of written messages.

 Of course, the invention is not limited to a particular communication protocol and other so-called third generation techniques such as GPRS or UMTS are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention.

 In a particular implementation of the invention, the server 1 is arranged to improve the effectiveness of the emergency services by making certain selections, for example the selection of an adapted hospital center according to the content of the personal data corresponding to a victim type user, as will now be described with reference to FIG. 5.

 As soon as a user of the first aid type S connects to the server 1, in step 22, the server 1 selects a hospital center in step 26 and sends the corresponding data to the user of the first aid type S to the 'step 27.

 The invention is not limited to the sending of personal data concerning a victim type user V in the event of a call by a rescue worker type S, as will be explained with reference to FIG. 6.

 In particular, the sending of personal data concerning a victim type user may follow a rescue call by the victim type user himself or the triggering of a beacon from the victim's vehicle, for example, as illustrated in step 31. In this example, the system is arranged so as to allow in step 32 a location of the victim type user, either because the telephone call of the latter allows its location by a triangulation process, in a manner known per se, either because the call comes from a beacon which is connected to a location system, for example of the GPS type. The system is arranged so as to perform in step 33 the selection

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 of the rescue center which will allow the quickest or most appropriate rescue intervention and to send in step 34 to the selected rescue center information concerning the location of the accident and the victim type user concerned.

 Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been given.

 The system 1 can in particular be connected to connection terminals allowing a victim type user who does not personally have a computer connected to the computer network to enter personal data.

 The manufacturing unit 5 of the supports 6 can also be arranged to print on the supports 6 an advertising vector such as a logo.

 The victim type user can possibly enter personal data concerning a person other than himself. For example, a parent who wants their child to benefit from the system, enters medical data about the child and gives them a copy of the media.

Claims (14)

1. System enabling rescuers to access information concerning a victim, in particular in the event of a traffic accident, comprising: computer means (1) accessible by a computer and / or telephone network, with storage means data (4) able to memorize: + an access code and an identifier (7) assigned to each victim type user (V),. an access code assigned to at least one user of the rescue type (S), access control means to allow a victim type user, after recognition of a specific access code, to enter personal data , in particular medical, and a user of the rescue type, after recognition of a specific access code and communication of an identifier, to access the personal data, in particular medical, of the victim type user corresponding to this identifier , and a specific support (6) for each victim type user, comprising the identifier (7) at least in an apparent manner.  2. System according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the identifier (7) consists of a series of alphanumeric characters, this series may include less than fifteen characters and letters in addition to numbers.  3. System according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that said support (6) is devoid of any electronic component, being for example constituted by a simple card carrying a printed, engraved or embossed number.  4. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said support (6) is made of a material resistant to impact, to liquids, or even to relatively high temperatures.  5. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said support (6) is capable of being fixed on a motor vehicle, in particular on the dashboard thereof.  6. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the said identifier (6) is visible on a window or on a predetermined part <Desc / Clms Page number 12>  of the body of a motor vehicle.  7. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the access control means are arranged so as to authorize a user of the first aid type (S) only to read the personal data of a victim type user (V), without possibility of modifying them.  8. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the computer means (1) are arranged to periodically renew the access code or codes allocated to users of the first aid type (S).  9. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the computer means (1) comprise a device allowing the wireless transmission of personal data from a victim type user (V) to a rescue type user (S), in particular on a mobile telephone equipping the latter.  10. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a device making it possible to receive location information emanating from a victim type user (V) or from a first aid type user (S ).  11. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is arranged to allow a victim type user (V) equipped with a mobile telephone comprising a specially programmed key to automatically contact said system and to transmit their identifier.  12. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it includes selection means suitable for, when the system receives location information from a victim type user, select the most suitable rescue center. close and by the fact that the system is further arranged to send to reception means equipping the emergency services with data indicating the place of the accident and personal, in particular medical, data of the victim type user.  13. System according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that said selection means are capable of selecting from location information received, the place of hospitalization adapted to receive the victim type user, and by the fact that said system is further arranged to send, to reception means equipping a rescuer, data mentioning the selected place of hospitalization and possibly the route allowing the quickest access to this place of hospitalization, taking into account <Desc / Clms Page number 13>  traffic conditions for example.  14. Method for manufacturing a support (6) carrying information allowing a user of the rescue type to access data concerning a user of the victim type, in particular in the event of a traffic accident, comprising the steps following: - generate by means of a computer server accessible by a computer and / or telephone network, for each victim type user, a server access code, - verify when connecting to the server by a victim type user that the access code provided corresponds to the assigned access code, - after this verification, allow the victim type user to possibly enter a new access code and provide the server with personal data, - memorize said data so as to make them accessible to a user of the first-aid type connecting to the server,

 - generate an identifier specific to the victim type user, and - manufacture a medium on which the identifier is apparent.