New Look

For anyone who has noticed, I haven't posted in quite a while. I have several drafts to fill out and post up. Also, I am changing the look/aim of the blog. It will no longer be exclusive to combat medicine, but will encompass all aspects of emergency medicine. This still includes combat medicine, but now also includes pre-hospital and ED items.

Amazing PDA

InfraScan Inc. has been developing an awesome piece of technology that will soon be available on the open market: the "Infrascanner System" is a PDA-based device with some very cool extras. Identifying head injuries in the field can be a difficult task, I can tell you first hand. Technologies such as CT scans and X-Ray are not something you see outside of a hospital or clinic too often, so to solve this dilemma the Infrascanner was created. Already having been proven in multiple field tests that include those of the US Navy and Marines, the device is merely awaiting clearance by the US FDA for public use.

The Infrascanner works by detecting differences in light absorption in the hemispheres of the brain. This is done by placing probes on the head of the patient in symmetrical positions, then using the scanner device to emit near-IR light and measure the absorbency. Then, if there is an area where the light is absorbed more then normal, it is likely that is the site of the intracranial bleed. This is due to the extra hemoglobin in the build up of blood that absorbs more light.

As you can imagine, this technology has huge potential. From how the procedure is described, it is as easy to use as a mobile EKG monitor. Simply place the sensors and turn the machine on, only without the wires (oh yes, it's bluetooth!).

Acu-what?

The U.S. Air Force is taking a huge initiative in a means by which to reduce the pain of injured soldiers. "Battlefield acupuncture" is becoming very popular with the military medical community, having been proven throughout ancient Chinese history. Acupuncture is a method by which tiny, hair-thin needles are inserted about one millimeter into the skin in strategic anatomical locations in order to dull a patients pain. Col. Richard Niemtzow has been developing his technique of acupuncture over the past several years, and has even trained Army Rangers this method of pain relief. In the field, this can prove to be a very valuable skill when other resources are not available. According to Niemtzow, this procedure can alleviate a patients pain for up to days at a time. Aside from the simplicity, other advantages exist such as no risk of drug addiction and allergic reactions as well.

The Air Force has arranged a training program beginning early next year for medical personnel to learn battlefield acupuncture. It is made clear this method of pain control is not meant to replace fast-acting drugs such as morphine, but offers an easy alternative for those who will benefit most from it.

Dr. Robot

Finally, in its latest stages of development, is the technology that will eventually replace us all. In collaboration with the U.S. Army Trauma Training Center, InTouch Health's RP-7 robot is in its trial stage. This robot comes complete with a tv screen and speakers, and enables doctors who are stateside to offer advice to other medical professions that are not so close to home. Currently, it is Ryder Trauma Center of the University of Miami that provides doctors for the trial program. By being able to see and communicate with the patient, these doctors can assist those on the front lines with trauma emergencies. The U.S. Army has a prototype to be used in the field at a classified location.

Currently this project leaves the robot strictly hands off, but there are talks of various attachments being available in the future. As Dr. Augenstein says, "It's OnStar on steroids."

Video Clip

Below is a link to the BBC website, where a short video clip shows what a British-run, front line hospital looks like.

Check it out.

Beam Me Up!

Professor Abrahim Katzir of Tel Aviv University has developed what used to be considered space-age technology; you know, the kind of stuff you see on Star Trek. Anyway, Prof. Katzir has been working on an invention that surgeons have been dreaming about for decades: a laser scalpel. Just as it sounds, it is a laser device used during the suturing of wounds. According to trials done on patients who underwent gallbladder surgery, the suturing done with the laser scalpel healed faster and with significantly less scarring.

Prof. Katzir also makes mention of this device being used to heal wounds on the battlefield. "Allowing soldiers to heal each other on contact with the wand." This sounds like a great idea, but chances are that the type of situation where this would be most beneficial, the wound would be so contaminated that it would need to be in a clean environment in order to properly irrigate and seal the affected area. That is just as important an issue, I believe.

New Age Training

In a recent U.S. Army press release, an outline of the modern day combat medic training program was given. Only in recent years has the military recognized the need for more advanced training in prehospital care for their healthcare providers in the field. During the cold-war era, a majority of the healthcare providers worked in hospitals alongside doctors and nurses, and generally were non-combatants. Given that enemy fighters will take any chance they get to take out a medic, knowing that they are a vital asset to any force, the need for the newly termed "combat medic" was needed. In this revamped course, brand new soldiers are being trained to act as a soldier first, medic second. Once you can assure your safety and the safety of your patient, only then can you administer care. With the most modern technology, these trainees have access to life-like manikins to make the procedures as real as possible. Trainees are also put through rigorous, real-life scenarios to simulate an active warzone where the medics must clear the area of enemy combatants before tending to patients. This cutting edge training, along with state-of-the-art technology, will lead to more soldiers being saved out in the field.