Importance

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Abstract

A system is disclosed for tracking patients. Such systems are especially useful in the emergency or military setting or in the case of a national emergency. In such cases, the patient may be transported far from home or from the site of the injury in order to receive treatment. The system has application, as well however, for patient tracking within normal hospital systems. The system utilizes a passive, unique coding system for each patient. A coded device is associated with each patient in such a way that the coded device cannot be removed or disassociated from the patient without a concerted effort. A reader and encoder is used at the time of application of the coded device, to the patient, to enter pertinent information about the patient into a national database. Such information may be used or augmented as required during the medical care of the patient and return of the patient to normal life. Information gained from the device is also used to assist in prioritizing the patient regarding the order of triage relative to other patients. The reader and encoder communicate with a centralized database to enter information regarding the patient as well as the location of the patient.

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First Claim