Virtual twist to hospital visits could lead to saving lives

FORT MYERS, Fla.- Seconds matter in an emergency. New technology is making it easier to get the help you need, faster.

Lee Memorial is using webcams to bring doctors into exam rooms.

Looking at Ben Thompson now, you may never know he was knocking on death’s door.

A few weeks ago, Thompson and his wife, Marcia, were finishing up dinner when she noticed his eyes started to water and he had trouble speaking.

“He was leaning to the side in his chair. I was certain it was a stroke,” said Marcia Thompson.

They quickly called 911 and were taken to the hospital. When they walked into the exam room, they weren’t greeted by the doctor, at least not in person.

Somebody said, ‘can you see that gentlemen in the box at the head of the bed?'” said Ben Thompson.

A virtual visit to the emergency room.

“It’s a high-tech, high-quality video interface,” said Dr. William Carracino.

Nurses are physically in the room, assessing you. The doctor? Well, he could be anywhere.

“I can zoom around, I can zoom in and zoom out. I can find whoever is in the room,” said Carracino.

“He began giving me instructions on what to do. Touch my nose, raise my arms,” said Ben Thompson.

Precious moments saved, allowing Thompson to be treated within seconds, rather than waiting longer to see a doctor in person.

The Thompsons say the technology is lifesaving.

“I mean it was just amazing, and he has no residual effects of the stroke,” said Marcia Thompson.