5G Enabled Mobile Healthcare for Ambulances

Provision of services such as remote healthcare, telemedicine and telesurgery is gaining popularity with the evolution in cellular networks. Mobile healthcare that involves in-ambulance treatment by a remote physician, has stringent connectivity criteria and that can be fulfilled by 5G’s promising potential. 5G can provide high data rates, massive connectivity, ultra-reliability, high spectral efficiency and very low latencies. This paper presents a complete framework for a 5G enabled connected ambulance that focuses on two-way data communication including audio-visual multimedia flow between ambulances and hospitals. The model includes wireless transmission, based on a 5G network, of three types of data i.e. ultrasound videos, in-ambulance video streaming and vital signs measurements of patients. This will enable the doctors to remotely assist and guide the ambulance crew to provide initial medical care to in-ambulance patients. A discussion based on the network requirements of mobile healthcare is also provided.