Bavaria’s First Telemedicine Dispatch Center Commences Operation in Bogen
Bavaria has launched its first telemedicine dispatch center for emergency medical services (EMS) in the Bogen region of Lower Bavaria. Two telemedicine physicians have been on duty in shifts for the past two weeks, providing support to ambulance crews as needed. Utilizing camera and microphone technology, they can communicate directly with the paramedics. In critical cases, a physical emergency physician will still be dispatched to the scene.
"After a trial phase, the project is scheduled to transition to regular operation in March," announced Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann (CSU). From Bogen, the eight ambulance service regions of Landshut, Oberpfalz-Nord, Passau, Regensburg, Rosenheim, Region Ingolstadt, Straubing, and Traunstein will receive telemedicine support.
Two additional locations are planned for Bavaria: Starting in late 2026, a center in Würzburg will serve Lower, Middle, and Upper Franconia. The location of the third center has yet to be determined, according to Herrmann.
The project is intended, among other things, to address the growing shortage of physicians in the field. Accordingly, the ambulance vehicles will be gradually equipped with the necessary technology. Funding for the telemedicine dispatch center primarily comes from health insurance companies. The operator of the vehicles in the Bogen area is the RKT emergency medical service from Regensburg.
Concept and Implementation
The concept envisions that the telemedicine physician assists the EMS team, thereby eliminating the need for a physically present emergency physician. Alternatively, the telemedicine physician can bridge the gap until an emergency physician arrives on site.
The telemedicine physician observes the patient, the ambulance crew, and the medical data on a screen. They can provide instructions for treatment and prescribe medications.
Benefits and Challenges
Benefits:
- Improved access to emergency medical care, especially in rural areas
- Reduced response times
- More efficient use of emergency physicians
- Relief for ambulance crews
Challenges:
- Technical requirements and costs
- Acceptance by patients and EMS crews
- Legal and liability issues
Outlook
The telemedicine dispatch center in Bogen is considered a pilot project for Bavaria. The experiences gained here will serve as the basis for further development and optimization of the system. The goal is to establish a comprehensive network of telemedicine dispatch centers throughout the state to ensure the best possible emergency medical care for all Bavarians.
Conclusion
Bavaria’s first telemedicine dispatch center in Bogen marks a significant step towards modernizing and improving emergency medical services in the state. By combining technological innovation with medical expertise, the project aims to provide more efficient and timely care, particularly in areas facing physician shortages. As the project progresses, its benefits and challenges will be closely monitored, paving the way for further advancements in telemedicine for EMS in Bavaria and beyond.
