A new digital platform frees up time to focus on emergency care and ensures that ambulances and equipment are in perfect condition.
The Ambulance Services in Region Västerbotten is the first in Sweden to implement Bliksund GRID, a cloud-based operational management system designed to streamline daily operations for emergency and healthcare personnel. In Norway, the platform supports over 15,000 healthcare and emergency service employees every day, providing enhanced control and oversight of equipment and information flows.
Region Västerbotten has helped to adapt the platform to Swedish conditions. Stian Kvalvik, head of the ambulance services in the region, is pleased with the collaboration:
"With GRID, we gain better oversight and experience a more efficient workday. It allows us to use our time more effectively and focus on problem-solving rather than administrative tasks.."
Stian Kvalvik, Head of Ambulance Care, Region Västerbotten
The region's ambulance service operates 24 vehicles across 13 locations with 170 employees, plus additional support from external subcontractors. Each year, the service handles up to 35,000 calls, averaging about 100 calls per day. Reporting faults and deficiencies in equipment and vehicles using paper, Excel sheets, and binders was time-consuming.
Stian Kvalvik says that responsible managers used to be greeted by a computer screen full of post-it notes when they arrived at work. And working remotely during the pandemic was tough without a digital system.
"We chose Bliksund GRID to improve process control in our ambulance services and transition from manual to digital routines. The platform enhances mission quality and boosts patient safety. It allows employees to report incidents and issues, ensuring a smooth and efficient shift change"
The platform works via apps that work in any device. It is divided into modules for different areas, such as vehicles, equipment and skills. Important information from management and in connection with shift changes is available in the app, as well as medical guidelines that are continuously updated.
"Users don't have to worry about missing important information or their communication not reaching the right person. Few people take the time to log in and check emails during an emergency, but notifications from a mobile app are easy to read. It can be about traffic problems and other important information."
The emergency vehicles must be operational and the medical equipment must be complete.
"Errors that are not corrected can have serious consequences. In the past, the same error could be reported by multiple employees, leading to unnecessary duplication and uncertainty.”
Today, checklists and reporting are managed via Bliksund's platform. Service actions and follow-up are reported electronically to the right person.
"Quality assurance of the organisation's administrative routines and information flow was our most important goal with the new platform. And we have achieved it."
Medical skills, like technical equipment, need to be updated regularly. A module in Bliksund GRID helps the region keep track of employees' skills development.
"It provides an up-to-date skills overview and helps us streamline training and skills development. Employees are automatically notified when it is time to take a course."
Stian Kvalvik sees an advantage in more regions switching to Bliksund GRID: "It would facilitate knowledge sharing and sharing of documents and guidelines."
Unlike other IT companies, Bliksund's employees have their own experience of working operationally in emergency care.