999 R.E.S.P.O.N.D. 2
Research type
Research Study
Full title
emeRgEncy diSPatch decisiONs using viDeo consultation (999 R.E.S.P.O.N.D. 2)
IRAS ID
347768
Contact name
Nigel Rees
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, days
Research summary
Ambulance Services are under pressure to optimise resources whilst managing increased demand and ineffective systems. This is relevant when considering specialist resources such as Enhanced and Critical Care Teams (ECCT), who deliver advanced care to seriously ill and injured patients at scene. When dispatched unnecessarily, they are unavailable to patients who need them which can lead to increased serious injury, death and costs.
Advances in technology have enabled ambulance services to test live-stream video during an incident to help staff assess the level of help needed. Although live-stream video can overcome some limitations of 999 calls, how it affects communication is currently unknown. There is no training or guidelines for staff on how to use live-stream video to communicate with the public or to make dispatch decisions.
Our project aims to explore this by collaborating with decision makers within the ambulance service and members of the public, to develop effective interventions that will improve the use of live-stream video to benefit patients and staff.
In part one, we look at existing research and policies about dispatching ECCTs and the use of live-stream video, working closely with ambulance service leaders, staff and members of the public.
In part two, we analyse video and audio recordings, and computer notes of cases that received an ECCT response to study how live-stream video affects how ambulance service staff exchange information about risk and work together to make decisions. We will look at body movements, word/language choices, and other methods of communication.
In part three, we use our findings to develop training for ambulance services. We will create educational materials for the public, and accessible reports on findings, and use these materials in events with the public, professionals, and policymakers.
REC name
Wales REC 6
REC reference
25/WA/0189
Date of REC Opinion
7 Jul 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion