Experience Using Mobile Application (iDMAT) in Large-Scale Events to Collect Patients’ Data

Introduction: The Hualien Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DAMT), under the Hualien County Health Bureau, developed the iDMAT mobile application(app) to facilitate data collection and patient tracking during disaster responses. This app, while intended for disaster scenarios, was also utilized in large-scale events like marathons to evaluate its broader applicability. Methods: App Setup and Use: Medical personnel downloaded the iDMAT app on authorized mobile devices to record patient information, triage, treatment, and disposition. Data synchronized to a cloud platform enabled the medical command center to monitor patients in real time. Event Setting: During the annual Taroko Marathon with over 10,000 participants, seven medical stations, including a main station, were set up. The iDMAT app was used at the Tienhsiang and main stations, situated 20 km apart. Each station had one physician and two nurses, and an emergency physician supervised the entire event as the medical commander. Results: From 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., a total of 61 patients were admitted to the two stations, while Tianxiang station had only nine patients because only full marathon runners arrived there. The cases included 20 females and 41 males, with triage outcomes as follows: 45 minor, 8 moderate, and 8 severe. All red-tagged (severe) patients were in shock but stabilized after fluid resuscitation and were discharged. Only one minor case required hospital transfer for further wound care. Conclusion: Due to the low frequency of actual disaster events, tools like iDMAT are difficult to test in authentic disaster scenarios. The use of iDMAT in a large-scale event like the marathon highlights its value beyond disaster response. This adaptation demonstrates that disaster medical tools can be repurposed effectively in mass events, broadening their applicability. Moreover, large events can serve as practical testing grounds for disaster protocols, enhancing real-time command oversight and informing future disaster preparedness.