Mining and Remote Worksites Case Study
Rapid Access Telemedicine: Protecting Workers In Challenging and Remote Environments
The Critical Moment
PRAXES received a call from a remote mining operation in Nunavut, Canada, after a 50-year-old construction worker developed concerning symptoms. Over two days, the worker experienced increasing redness and swelling in his right index finger, spreading from the fingertip to the entire finger.
Given the site’s isolation—accessible only by air, with the nearest hospital hours away—timely medical intervention was critical.
The Initial Assessment
The onsite Advanced Care Paramedic contacted the PRAXES 24/7 telemedicine service and was connected with a PRAXES Emergency Physician within two minutes. The paramedic provided the patient’s vital signs, all of which were within normal limits: the patient had no fever, and his heart rate and blood pressure were stable. The worker, who does manual labour, reported no recent injuries or trauma and could still move his finger.
Using PRAXES Connect, our secure web-based Electronic Medical Record (EMR) software, the paramedic uploaded detailed case notes, vital signs, and images of the swollen finger for immediate physician review. This real-time collaboration allowed for a rapid and accurate diagnosis of severe finger cellulitis – a serious skin infection – while effectively ruling out more critical conditions.
The Recommended Treatment Plan
The PRAXES Physician prescribed a 7-day course of oral antibiotics and recommended warm water soaks to the affected area. Instructions were given to monitor the finger closely, with a recommendation to follow-up if the infection did not begin to improve within 2–3 days or if symptoms worsened. The paramedic accessed the physician’s treatment plan and medication instructions directly through PRAXES Connect, allowing for the immediate administration of the first dose from the onsite medical kit.
Positive Outcome with Minimal Disruption
Thanks to fast telemedicine support and timely access to expert medical advice, the patient remained onsite and was able to continue working. This remote medical solution avoided costly evacuation and downtime, saving both time and money for the mining operation while ensuring worker health and safety.
The ability to securely document, photograph, and review the patient’s condition using PRAXES Connect also ensures continuity of care should follow-up be required. PRAXES’ integration of onsite medical professionals with 24/7 emergency telemedicine access allows early medical intervention—helping to keep workers safe, productive, and in the field whenever possible.
The PRAXES Difference
This real-life case demonstrates why companies trust PRAXES to protect their most valuable assets – their people.
Immediate Access
The paramedic connected with a PRAXES Emergency Physician on the phone in under two minutes.
Secure Digital Case Management
The PRAXES Connect software allows confidential patient information, such as medical case notes, photos, and treatment plans, to be shared securely in real-time.
Secure and Rapid Site-Ready Solutions
The onsite medical kit included the necessary medications and tools for treatment, avoiding any delay.
Understanding of Remote Worksites
The PRAXES Physician assessed the medical case with full awareness of the site’s remoteness, environmental conditions, availability of alternate healthcare facilities, and transportation limitations.
Avoiding Costly Evacuation
Effective onsite management prevented an unnecessary air evacuation, saving tens of thousands of dollars and preventing operational delays.
Protect Your Team: Reduce Medical Risk with 24/7 Telemedicine Support
PRAXES Medical Group specializes in keeping remote worksites safe and operational, no matter how isolated your location. Our advanced telemedicine services and secure digital health platform deliver immediate medical support, ensuring your workforce receives expert care when and where they need it.
Reach out today to discover how our remote worksite telemedicine solutions can protect your team and keep your operations running smoothly, anywhere in the world.
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