PANASONIC TOUGHBOOK POWERS REAL-TIME PATIENT CARE FOR NORTHERN IRELAND AMBULANCE SERVICE

Northern Ireland Ambulance Service crews can quickly access Ortivus’ MobiMed electronic patient care record system on the Panasonic TOUGHBOOK G2.

Bracknell, UK. 15^th October 2025 – The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) has successfully deployed a cutting-edge digital solution to transform patient care across its fleet of emergency response vehicles. In partnership with Ortivus and Panasonic, NIAS has equipped vehicles with the Ortivus MobiMed electronic patient care record (ePCR) system, powered by the rugged TOUGHBOOK G2 2-in-1 detachable tablet.

MobiMed enables NIAS crews to quickly create digital patient records during and after responding to an incident. First responders can now record and transmit vital data in real-time, such as ECGs and medical history, directly to hospital teams before arrival. This enables faster, better-informed decisions and improved continuity of care.

NIAS provides emergency and urgent care, non-emergency transport, and specialist services to approximately 1.9 million people in Northern Ireland. The MobiMed ePCR rollout supports the Department of Health’s e-Strategy to ensure patient information is available when and where it’s needed, with appropriate safeguards.

Rugged Reliability and Ease-of-Use Key

Following a rigorous multi-vehicle trial, NIAS has selected the rugged Panasonic TOUGHBOOK G2. The G2 is 4G and GPS-ready, enabling it to seamlessly connect to in-vehicle routers (featuring dual-SIM connectivity) that have been installed in 175 emergency response vehicles. With NIAS using the G2’s range of extended batteries for up to 18.5 hours of use per charge, this delivers uninterrupted access to patient records, even in the most remote or high-pressure environments. Where connections are unavailable, records can be saved locally to the device, before reacquiring the connection.

The TOUGHBOOK G2’s 2-in-1 design allows NIAS responders to switch between touchscreen and keyboard input in and outside of emergency vehicles, accommodating users of varying technical experience. Its consistent form factor also reduces long-term costs by avoiding the need to replace docking stations or accessories with future upgrades.

Accessibility has been vastly improved for NIAS, with the G2 customised to enable quick-access buttons for flashlight, Night Mode, and other field-use shortcuts. The device also supports patient interaction, such as digital signature capture, enhancing usability and compliance.

"The G2 is particularly suited for use in ambulances and fast-response vehicles, which are inherently very unforgiving and aggressive environments. Its IP65-rated protection and military-grade durability protects it against drops, vibrations, and extreme weather. This allows NIAS crews to accurately input vital information into the MobiMed solution without any fear of damage or downtime."

Enhancing Patient Care Across Northern Ireland

Since rollout, NIAS crews have created over 100,000 electronic patient care records. These support immediate clinical decisions and feed into ‘encompass’, Northern Ireland’s integrated Health and Social Care program.

"The technology enables efficient sharing of patient information to enhance continuity of care across the Health and Social Care system in Northern Ireland. This keeps NIAS at the forefront of digital transformation supporting emergency medical care now and into the future."

Click here to download the full case study

PANASONIC TOUGHBOOK POWERS REAL-TIME PATIENT CARE FOR NORTHERN IRELAND AMBULANCE SERVICE

Rugged Reliability and Ease-of-Use Key

Enhancing Patient Care Across Northern Ireland

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