FLIR EXM

Examination and monitoring of vital signs

Context: Ambulance

Contribution: Research, ideation, illustrations, prototyping, CAD, rendering

Team Member: Jette Sterling

Project Collaboration: Flir Teledyne

Duration: 10 weeks

Timeframe: Spring 2023

Single responders face high-pressure decisions with limited resources. To support them, we’re developing a compact, AI-powered device that uses thermal imaging to monitor vital signs like breathing, heart rate, and temperature.

It enables faster, more informed decisions on the scene and ensures continuous monitoring during transport, improving safety for both patients and responders.

In collaboration with FLIR Teledyne, a leader in thermal imaging and safety technology, we’re enhancing emergency care worldwide.

Background

Handling medical emergencies alone is demanding—single responders must act fast with limited tools, often making care harder to deliver. Our project addresses this challenge with a contactless, AI-driven device that instantly reads vital signs using thermal imaging.

This innovation helps paramedics assess patients immediately, monitor conditions in transit, and deliver more effective emergency care.

Partnering with FLIR, a global leader in thermal and diagnostic technology, we’re leveraging their expertise to create a smarter, safer, and more efficient future for emergency medicine.

  • Single responders are paramedics who work alone. They have been introduced to improve the speed and efficiency of emergency medical services (EMS) while reducing costs. They reach patients quickly, providing initial care and assessing vital signs like respiratory rate, oxygenation, blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature before the ambulance arrives.

  • Enable rapid and precise detection and analysis of vital signs, and ensure effective monitoring during emergencies.

Interview

Paramedic Mattias emphasized the need for better resources and equipment for single responders. Improving their support could make them a key pillar of modern EMS, enabling faster, more effective care while reducing costs and response times.

Safety risks

‘‘Working alone in critical environments poses personal safety challenges.’’

Limited equipment

‘‘Single responders carry fewer tools than the ambulance, which restrict treatment options until backup arrives.’’

High stress

‘‘Quick decision-making under pressure aa a single responder increases stress levels.’’

Coordination

‘‘Maintaining communication with the emergency team can be difficult in complex situations.’’

Today’s equipment

Single responders operate alone, relying on manual pulse checks to assess patients. In high-pressure situations, keeping track of multiple vitals can become overwhelming. Today, emergency responders primarily depend on traditional technologies to provide care.

How might FLIR support paramedics with quick examination and monitoring of patients?

Technology

In our research, we discovered the potential of thermal imaging and artificial intelligence (AI). By using thermal imaging and AI, it is possible to detect and analyze the patient’s vital signs. These technologies can be used for patient examination and monitoring, providing real-time information.

Ideation and prototyping

During ideation, we explored various shapes through sketches and prototypes, focusing on grip comfort and ease of use. Prototyping helped refine the ergonomics, ensuring a natural, intuitive feel and improving overall usability.

Concept

Single responder arrives, quickly checks the patient’s vital signs with FLIR EXM, and transports them to the hospital. During transit, the device is mounted in the ambulance, continuously monitoring the patient’s condition for a seamless handover.

Flir EXM

FLIR EXM is designed to assist single emergency responders in assessing and monitoring patients' vital signs using thermal imaging and artificial intelligence (AI).

    • Thermal Imaging & AI: The device uses thermal imaging combined with AI to detect and analyze vital signs such as respiratory rate, oxygenation, blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature.'

    • Real-Time Monitoring: It displays vital data in real-time, ensuring the responder has access to critical health information.

    • Portable Design: Designed to be worn in the paramedic's chest pocket, it is easily accessible for on-the-spot assessments.

    • Vehicle Integration: The device can be mounted in emergency vehicles to monitor patients during transport. It can transmit real-time updates and alert responders to significant changes in the patient’s condition.

    • Emergency Response: Helps responders quickly evaluate patient conditions and initiate treatment while waiting for backup or hospital transport.

    • In-Field & In-Vehicle Use: Offers seamless transition from on-site assessments to continuous monitoring during patient transport.

Benefits

FLIR EXM uses thermal imaging and AI for real-time vital sign detection, enabling faster decisions, continuous monitoring, and improved patient safety. Its compact design and smart alerts enhance efficiency for single responders, making emergency care quicker and more effective.

Faster Decision-Making

Automates vital sign detection and analysis, reducing reliance on manual measurements and accelerating response times.

Enhanced Safety

Offers a comprehensive overview of patient conditions, alerting responders to critical changes in real-time.

Improved Patient Outcomes

Enables quicker, more targeted treatment, increasing the chances of positive health outcomes and potentially saving lives.

nina.langstrom@hotmail.com