Sundance Systems Inc. recently introduced it ‘s newest version of Computer Aided Dispatch software tailored specifically to private ambulance services. “The customized EMSCad program enables smaller medical transport agencies to dispatch proper units and track appointments or emergency calls with just the click of a mouse.  Following up with trip tickets and logging personnel is less time consuming and much more accurate than the ‘post-it’ note system so many companies have been using, “ according to Dennis Withem, president of Sundance Systems Inc. 

“Private and Public ambulance services need to work together in a post 9/11 world,” Withem explains.  “When called upon to respond to 911 emergency overflow, private companies need to have the same state of the art technology at their fingertips as their public counterparts.  The scalable version of EMSCad provides  dispatchers the same feature rich, easy to use and open architecture communication tool the ‘big boys’ have.”

The advanced functionality of  the uncluttered multi-pane windows enables transport dispatchers to track units, log times and assign dispositions with just a button click.   The unique icon view provides logical and instant visual recognitions of available and dispatched units. 

“Scheduling multiple appointments for patient transport is simplified with seamless database crossover.  Special condition alerts or patient notes need only be added once to a  customer file, thus eliminating omissions and inefficiencies in a  paper system.  Call data is stored at input into shared databases with both the records module and personnel modules of the EMSCad system,” Withem details.  

With the responsibilities of public and private EMS services blurring, the need for consistent, professional technology becomes paramount in providing quality patient care.  The new

EMSCad program provides  independent agencies better communication procedures for shorter response time and more efficient operation. 

Funding should not keep a vital service such as medical transport from  implementing state of the art technology, according to Withem.  With the option of purchasing  the software as a service, smaller agencies can pay a monthly fee to utilize EMSCad via the  internet, thereby eliminating the need to purchase costly hardware. 

Sundance Systems’ multiple years of development experience enabled them to write a custom communications and records package tailored to their needs.  Simple to follow input screens make dispatcher training fast and easy.

Midwest Ambulance Service Inc. of Indiana purchased Sundance Systems Inc.    EMSCad software to assist them in their planned growth,  according to John Plan, President and CEO.  An increase in the need for their services prompted them to upgrade from  their Microsoft Access program to a more industry specific software application. 

Plan attributes the benefit of “an easier layout and not as much jumping around to enter date for a run” and the ability to tie into their electronic patient care reports as a deciding factor in his software purchase. 

Growth in the number of people getting older along with an increase in public awareness of Midwest’s reputation for quality service has resulted in a measurable boost in business for the private ambulance service.  Providing hospitals and nursing homes with medical transport by appointment comprises the bulk of Midwest’s patient commitment.  Although they do see an increased need for private agencies to supplement the overflow of public EMS, Midwest Ambulance has been reluctant to sign on due to their present workload.   EMSCad engineers believe their software will assist Midwest in achieving their technology goals for efficiency as they grow.