Basic 5 · Computing · Technology in the Community
Technology That Saves Lives
In this topic you will discuss how technology is used to save lives in the community and its effects on the community.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Describe technologies used in health care and emergencies
- Explain how they save lives
- Discuss how to use them responsibly
What you already know
- Effects of technology
Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.
- Strand
- Introduction To Computing
- Sub-strand
- Technology in the Community
- Indicator
- B5.1.4.1.3-4 – Discuss how technology is used to save lives in community and the effects of technology on the community
Introduction
In Ghana, drones deliver blood and medicines to remote hospitals in minutes. Ambulances are called with a phone. Technology now saves many lives every day.
1. Technology in Health Care
| Technology | How it saves lives |
|---|---|
| X-ray and ultrasound machines | show inside the body to find injuries and check babies before birth |
| incubators | keep premature babies warm and safe |
| oxygen machines and ventilators | help patients who cannot breathe well |
| laboratory analysers | test blood quickly to find diseases such as malaria |
| electronic health records | store patients' records so doctors can treat them correctly |
| drones | deliver blood, vaccines and medicines to remote areas |
2. Technology in Emergencies
Mobile phones let people call for help quickly. In Ghana, important emergency numbers include 112 (general emergency), 191 (police), 192 (fire service) and 193 (ambulance). Radio and SMS warnings tell people about floods and storms so they can move to safety. Fire alarms and smoke detectors warn people of fires early. GPS on phones helps rescuers find people who are lost or injured.
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| general emergency | 112 |
| police | 191 |
| fire service | 192 |
| ambulance | 193 |
3. Using Life-Saving Technology Responsibly
Emergency lines must only be used for real emergencies. Prank calls waste time and can stop help reaching someone who is dying. Medical machines must be maintained and handled only by trained people. Health records must be kept private.
Safety: Learn the emergency numbers. In an emergency, stay calm, say your name, the location and what has happened.
Technology also has effects on the community: people live longer, fewer mothers and babies die at birth, and diseases are found earlier. But machines are expensive, need electricity and trained workers, and are often found only in big cities.
New words
- drone
- An aircraft without a pilot on board, flown remotely.
- incubator
- A machine that keeps premature babies warm.
- ventilator
- A machine that helps a patient breathe.
- emergency
- A sudden, dangerous situation needing quick help.
- GPS
- A system that shows a location on a map.
- prank call
- A false call made as a joke.
Summary
- Hospitals use X-rays, incubators and ventilators to save lives.
- Drones deliver blood and medicines to remote areas of Ghana.
- Phones, alarms and warnings help in emergencies; 112 is the general emergency number.
- Life-saving technology must be used responsibly.
Class activity: Emergency Role-Play
- Act out calling 193 for an injured person.
- Give your name, location and what has happened.
- The class checks that all the important details were given.
You need: Basic mobile phone, Portable radio, Printed photographs of technology in a Ghanaian clinic
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Which is the general emergency number in Ghana?
- A. 112
- B. 999
- C. 911
- D. 100
Show answer
Answer: 112It connects to emergency services.2. Which machine keeps premature babies warm?
- A. Incubator
- B. X-ray
- C. Drone
- D. Printer
Show answer
Answer: IncubatorIt provides warmth.3. How do drones save lives in Ghana?
- A. They deliver blood and medicines
- B. They teach pupils
- C. They clean roads
- D. They grow crops
Show answer
Answer: They deliver blood and medicinesThey reach remote areas quickly.4. Prank calls to emergency numbers are harmless.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: FalseThey can stop real emergencies getting help.5. An ultrasound machine can check a baby before birth.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueIt shows images inside the body.6. The number for the fire service in Ghana is ______.
Show answer
Answer: 192191 police, 193 ambulance.7. State two technologies used in emergencies and how they help.
Show answer
Answer: Mobile phones to call for help; smoke detectors to warn of fire (or GPS, SMS warnings).Any two.8. Give one benefit and one problem of life-saving technology in Ghana.
Show answer
Answer: Benefit: fewer deaths of mothers and babies. Problem: machines are expensive and mostly in big cities.Effects on the community.
Homework
- Write the Ghana emergency numbers on a card and keep it at home. Teach them to a family member.