ITHACA, N.Y. (WHCU) – New technology could save lives at Cayuga Medical Center.

A secure, real-time communication app called Twiage was recently launched by Cayuga Health at both Cayuga Medical Center (CMC) and Schuyler Hospital in Montour Falls.

“After using Twiage for a short time, our ED and EMS staff are talking about how much this technology makes things better for patients and EMS crews,” said Manager of Transfer Center and EMS Operations at CMC, Scott Goldsmith. “I’ve asked EMS crews for their feedback and it’s nothing but praise. Our team has seen first-hand how quick and easy Twiage is to use.

The app creates fast and efficient communication between EMS agencies and Emergency Departments, saving valuable time in medical emergencies like stroke and heart attack.  It also has GPS tracking for ambulances that provides accurate arrival times and has the ability to send HIPAA-compliant clinical data from the ambulance that better informs patient care.

Officials are lauding the app, saying it’s already improved patient outcomes.

“One recent example of how this technology saved precious minutes was when a patient was brought in after having suffered a stroke,” said Goldsmith. “The ED provider was able to witness the stroke assessment as it was performed in the ambulance allowing them to be prepared to take the necessary life-saving actions upon the patient’s arrival.”

Twiage has garnered recognition and innovation awards from major healthcare organizations, including the American Medical Association, American Heart Association, and the American College of Emergency Physicians.