• List and describe the components of the Siren system
• Explain the benefits and features of the Siren system
• Explain key concepts regarding data entry in Siren
• Correlate information types to the Siren interface tabs
Siren Field User is the software that you will use to create electronic patient care records. You will be using Siren on a ruggedized Toughbook computer that you can use anywhere: on car, at the event scene or at the destination facility.
As a paramedic, you play a key role in a patient’s care journey. Your use of the Siren Field User software and the Toughbook streamlines patient transfer of care to hospitals and integrates BCEHS patient care records into BC’s health care system.
The Toughbook and Siren Field User software are the key components of the Siren system, but there are many parts that work together.
• Panasonic CF-20 Toughbooks with the Siren Field User software installed.
• The in-vehicle gateway (IVG) installed in the ambulance, providing Wi-Fi connectivity. (You will not need to have Wi-Fi connectivity to create and enter information into a PCR.)
• The Siren web server where the PCR information is sent and stored for retrieval and analysis.
• A printer installed in the ambulance and connected via USB cable.
• An interface from the CAD dispatch system. (Information can be sent directly from CAD into Siren, filling in important fields for you.)
Key Point: BCEHS is adding more functions to the Siren system so that manual data entry is reduced. As the system grows, you’ll be informed of the changes.
• Deployment of the Siren Notification Board (SNB) to receiving facilities. SNB will allow hospitals to review incoming patient events and their PCRs in advance of your arrival. (When the Siren Notification Board (SNB) is in place, you won’t need to print PCRs for the receiving facility.)
• Defibrillators and monitors will be connected to the Toughbooks via Bluetooth or infrared cable, so that data will import directly into your electronic PCR.
• Siren will import BC Services Card patient demographic information directly into the electronic PCR, using a barcode scanner built into the Toughbook.
The Siren system has many benefits to patients, paramedics and hospitals, as well as government agencies.
• The Siren system will help ensure you’re gathering the right information for each patient encounter. If you forget to enter an important piece of information, the system will remind you.
• Being able to provide a complete and legible printed PCR when transferring your patient at the hospital will have numerous benefits.
• Siren’s spellcheck function will help you make error-free text entries.
• The use of a standardized state-of-the-art electronic PCR that follows current best practices will support your professional practice.
• Hospitals will receive patient information while you are on route to hospital, including alerts for high-risk patient events.
• Because you will have entered information into Siren before arriving at the hospital, they’ll know what to expect when you get there.
• Hospital admitting will also be able to access the electronic PCR directly from the SNB software.
• Information on dispatch, mobilization, and ambulance turnaround times will help improve ambulance operations.
• The data you enter into the Siren PCRs will help improve ongoing clinical practice and patient care.
• Having an electronic PCR will simplify patient safety, quality control, and union investigations, as well as support patient record and Freedom of Information (FOI) requests.
• Apply CAD information to a PCR
• Enter patient care information with the touch of a button
• Use the patient look-up function to import information from a patient’s prior PCR into your current PC
• Enter time stamps very quickly and easily
• Select medications from a pre-populated pick list
• Access facility information that has been pre-entered into the system
• Enter patient injuries with a simple click, using mannequin images
• Attach photographs of supporting documents or of a scene to support the information in the PCR
• Transfer PCR control to another crew
Key Point: When you’re working on an electronic PCR in Siren, you’ll see these tabs across the bottom of your screen. You will click on each tab to access screens and enter information related to each topic.
The tabs are set up in the likely order of use with the exception of the Review tab which you’ll begin to use early in the call. (See the modules Siren Workflow or Review & Finalize). During any call you may be jumping back and forth between the tabs. For example, you may be entering both patient identification and history information that you receive at the same time.
Key Point: Two important concepts to remember:
• All important entries will be set as required fields and the system will remind you to or require you to enter information into those.
• Siren has hundreds of fields that you can enter data into. You do not need to enter information into every available field. Only enter information that is important about the event.
• You’ll use Siren Field User on a Toughbook to create PCRs
• There are hundreds of fields. You do not need to enter information into every available field.
• Information can be sent directly from CAD into a PCR, saving you manual data entry
• The Siren tabs are set up in likely order of use, but you will be jumping around between tabs and using the Review tab early in the process.
• You can’t forget to enter important information, because the system reminds you about required fields.
• BCEHS is adding more functions to the Siren system so that manual data entry is reduced. As the system grows, you’ll be informed of the changes.