What it does
Smart Triage Tag supports emergency care management during mass incidents – continuously monitoring HR, SpO₂ and ECG to reduce risk of missed deterioration and improve clinical decision-making in resource-constrained environments.
Your inspiration
With 14 years in EMS, I’ve seen the reality of mass-casualty incidents: limited staff, limited equipment, high operational risk. Classic triage systems are useful but static – they don’t track patient deterioration. There’s a clear need for tools enabling continuous, multi-patient oversight. While studying computer science, I teamed up with others to build a system bridging field practice with technology. Smart Triage Tag directly addresses known limitations by automating real-time monitoring and supporting more effective emergency response.
How it works
After being attached and activated by a responder, the Smart Triage Tag automatically begins monitoring heart rate (HR), blood oxygen saturation (SpO₂), and 3-lead ECG. Data is transmitted wirelessly via a field router to an application that enables real-time oversight of multiple patients on one screen. The initial triage color is assigned by the medic, but the device can dynamically update classification (e.g., from yellow to red) when it detects deterioration. Sensors and algorithms don’t replace clinical judgment but support faster decisions and reduce the need for manual retriage. An integrated LED signal and audible alert indicate when the patient needs attention. The system works fully offline, is lightweight and weather-resistant, and can be used even by non-medical personnel.
Design process
The design process was carried out in three stages. Stage I involved building the first prototype using an ESP32, a MAX30102 sensor, and a local LCD display. The device measured heart rate and oxygen saturation, while a 3D-printed enclosure stabilized the sensor on the skin. Stage II brought a conceptual shift: we replaced the screen with an RGB LED and a centralized application, which simplified the tag and improved its ergonomics. We also added an AD8232 ECG module, which significantly enhanced the stability of heart rate measurements in difficult conditions. Stage III focused on developing the Android application and achieving full wireless integration. Sensor data is transmitted via Wi-Fi (WebSocket) in JSON format to the app, enabling real-time monitoring of multiple patients. The system was also expanded to include a dedicated field router and simplified device pairing. Additionally, we implemented digital signal filtering directly on the module, which greatly reduced motion artifacts and environmental noise. Each stage brought meaningful improvements—from sensor testing to a scalable IoT system for real-time medical monitoring.
How it is different
Smart Triage Tag is a unique combination of simplicity, accessibility, and effectiveness. Unlike expensive, closed hospital systems, our solution operates locally—without the need for internet or IT infrastructure. It can be deployed within seconds, even by non-medical personnel. Built from widely available components, it allows for scalable production and easy maintenance. Competing devices like WVSM or IntelliVue cost significantly more, are complex to operate, and require specialized support. What sets Smart Triage Tag apart is that it was designed directly from field experience—by a team that understands the realities of mass casualty response. This isn’t a gadget. It’s a purpose-built tool for real-world deployment, where other systems fall short.
Future plans
The next step is to miniaturize the device and design a dedicated PCB. We plan to add temperature and motion sensors, expand the application with features like patient sorting, data history, and location tracking, and implement machine learning models to predict patient deterioration. We are currently preparing a demonstration version for simulated testing and consultations with paramedics, firefighters, and military personnel. Our goal is to certify the system and deploy it on a larger scale in cooperation with public institutions, universities, and industry partners.
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