Clinton County Emergency Medical Services (CCEMS) has made history as the first EMS agency in the United States to use the SPEAX Communication System while treating patients in the field, offering a groundbreaking advancement in patient care for those requiring ventilatory support.
Non-invasive ventilation therapies such as CPAP and BiPAP typically require tight-fitting masks that make it nearly impossible for patients to speak, forcing caregivers to rely on gestures or yes/no responses. The SPEAX system changes that by using a small sensor patch placed on the patient’s mask that connects to a portable speaker, amplifying the patient’s voice at an adjustable volume.
“It’s been a game changer,” said Clinton County EMS Director Steven Deckard. “Before SPEAX, we had to ask yes-or-no questions and depend on hand signals to understand a patient’s condition. Now we can have real conversations and patients can actively participate in their care.”
Deckard was the first EMS official in the country to approach the manufacturer about adapting the SPEAX device for pre-hospital use. After successful testing, his team began deploying the technology in ambulances in April of this year—making CCEMS the first EMS service nationwide to use the system during emergency response.
Deckard said the new capability is already delivering clear benefits for both providers and patients.
“For us as providers, hearing a patient describe what they’re experiencing helps guide treatment,” he explained. “For the patient, being able to speak with loved ones and be understood brings reassurance in a frightening moment.”
The adoption of SPEAX represents a significant step forward in emergency medical care and positions Clinton County EMS as a national innovator in patient-centered treatment.