Public Access Defibrillation Program Mgt / News: Recent posts

As you have probably noticed, there has not been much activity around here lately. There are two reasons for this. The first is a new project I am involved with that is centered on open source software development for emergency services. The OpenISES (Open Information Systems for Emergency Services) Project (http://openises.sourceforge.net) is a site dedicated to helping expand the development and use of open source software and materials in the emergency service setting. There are sections for Emergency Management, EMS, Fire Service and Law Enforcement. We hope to begin adding training materials as well as open source software in the coming months. I would encourage you to take a look at the project and if so inclined, give us a hand.... read more

The eBook Writer for the Palm eBook Reader (https://sourceforge.net/projects/ebook-writer/) is the second in a series of software programs designed to assist emergency services agencies. The original program was developed to allow EMS agencies to convert their protocols into a format that could be read on a Palm Pilot PDA. This simple task resulted in Paramedics and EMTs no longer being required to carry heavy 2-inch binders full of protocols, but they could now have them at their fingertips in a lightweight, easy to carry and use, PDA.... read more

This is the first release of the PAD Program Manager, and as such it is very much a work in progress. There was some hesitation to release the software so early in the development cycle. However, it was felt that the positives of releasing the software, getting feedback and making incremental changes, would be far more beneficial than waiting to much later in the process when it may be much harder to make such changes.... read more

In response to several requests, we have decided to make the original version of the Access 2000 prototype available. This package has been updated to allow for many different types of agencies to make use of the prototype. The package includes a User's Manual that describes all of the functions available in the program. The manual also includes the complete data dictionary for the prototype and ideas on how to modify and expand the original prototype to meet the needs of your agency.... read more

The source code for the PAD Program Manager is now available through the SourceForge CVS system. The program is in its early stages of development, and the source code located in the CVS area should be considered unstable and 'cutting edge.' However, by downloading and reviewing the source code, you can offer your insight into the development of the program. The source code is in Visual Basic 6.

We recently submitted an article on the lack of Open Source Software in emergency services (such as PAD Program Management) to the OS News web site. It made its appearance on 30 March, and was then picked up by the Linux Today web site. Lots of interesting feedback as well. You can read the original article at http://www.osnews.com/story.php?news_id=6543

Thanks to everyone for their support in this area

The Data Dictionary for the PAD Program Manager, as well as the Milestones for both the PAD Program Manager and the AED Project Manager have been posted. Visit our documentation area on the SourceForge PAD Program Management development page at http://sourceforge.net/docman/?group_id=103141.

The web site at http://pad-prg-mgt.sourceforge.net has been updated. We now have some early screen shots from the PAD Program Manager. These screen shots show the Facility Information screen, the Program Coordinator screen, the Medical Director screen, the AED screen, as well as the Splash and Logon screens. This should give you a good idea of what we intend the program to look like, as well as the type of data we plan to collect.... read more

The PAD Program Manager project site has been approved and we have begun to set up the site. Work has already begun on a web site that should be up in the next few days.

Data points for the PAD Program Manager are nearly done and will be posted soon. Work on the data points for the AED Project Manager has begun. These will be posted once finalized.

Documentation for general information on AEDs and PAD Programs is being put together. Should have some preliminary information available within the next two weeks.