A Prehospital Feasibility Assessment of a Lightweight, Durable, Wearable Biosensing Platform to Improve Combat Medic Management and Triage of a Massive Casualty (MASCAL) Incident in the Future Battlefield: A Pilot Study
Abstract
Advanced monitoring is a top priority for both Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC), En Route Care, and Prolonged Field Care(PFC). Current methods for monitoring do not permit the combat medic to rapidly assess and triage multiple casualties. Rendering care in the mass casualty scenario is challenging and made more so without adequate preparation and mitigation strategies for managing a large number of patients at one time. The FDA approved, wearable BioIntelliSense BioStickerTM is capable of capturing data such as heart rate, respiratory rate, body position and skin temperature. One portable hub collects data from numerous patients and delivers that data to the providers handheld electronic device and/or relay to advanced medical control allowing the provider to monitor multiple patients. The purpose of this study was to assess the potential application of the BioSticker in a simulated MASCAL scenario. We hypothesize that use of the BioSticker can identify subjects with abnormal vital signs in a simulated MASCAL scenario. Twelve volunteers and one medical provider were recruited to simulate each MASCAL situation. Some Volunteers had their regular vitals monitored, and the remaining casualties were asked to hold their breath to simulate apnea. The medical provider was assigned to triage the simulated casualties and identify those that were apneic. The provider performed their duties once without and once with the BioSticker. Using the BioSticker to triage multiple patients in a MASCAL simulation was not significantly faster or more accurate than standard triage protocols.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 14, 2022
- Accession Number
- AD1203388
Entities
People
- Christopher Bennett
- Patrick C. Ng
Organizations
- 59th Medical Wing