May 27, 2009
To Boldly Go Where No Medical Response Has Gone Before
Sometimes science imitates science fiction. A new triage technology comes with a Star Trek twist, at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Science & Technology Directorate (DHS S&T).
Even with today’s array of medical gadgets, evaluating who needs medical care at the scene of a disaster is still pretty much old-fashioned. An emergency responder bent over a victim, checks body temperature, heart rate, and muscle movement. Very much 'hands-on" and the entire process can take 3-5 minutes per person.
Because time is the most precious resource in a crisis, every second shaved can be a life-saver. With this in mind, the Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) is trying to make a revolutionary leap forward in triage. Why not 30 seconds per person? And why not from far away?
A new device resembling the medical diagnostic tool called the Tricorder from Star Trek, is being developed by the DHS S&T group in partnership with the Technical Support Working Group (TSWG), Boeing and Washington University’s School of Medicine in St. Louis. They call it the Standoff Patient Triage Tool (SPTT). Like the tricorder, SPTT takes key physiological readings necessary to any diagnosis —pulse, body temperature, respiration—from an injured person at a far distance. It’s triage at twenty paces. (actually from 5 to 40 feet away)
The magic behind SPTT is a technology known as Laser Doppler Vibrometry, which has been used in aircraft and automotive components, acoustic speakers, radar technology, and landmine detection. When connected to a camera, the vibrometer can measure the velocity and displacement of vibrating objects. An algorithm then converts those data points into measurements emergency medical responders can use in their rapid assessment of a patient’s critical medical conditions.
The goal is to develop a handheld unit about the size of a legal notebook and as a thick as a ream of paper. Achieving this will require further testing of optical stabilization technology to make sure the unit can function despite a responder’s arm and hand movements.
Besides providing accurate data, the SPTT can help overcome common human biases at an accident scene. According to the DHS S&T press release, "human nature is to pay attention to the person who is screaming and bleeding, but someone else with a less obvious internal injury may need to be the first priority. In the case of large-scale triage, it is not always the squeaky wheel that needs the grease. The SPTT may someday help first responders hear a lot more from their patients, and much more quickly."
With the help of Washington University, researchers have found that best place to capture strong readings vital signs is on the carotid artery, although strong signals have been obtained from the head, chest, abdomen, even a foot. Researchers are also testing whether readings could be taken when someone is lying in an awkward position, or wearing multiple layers of clothing. So far, the results are encouraging.
Despite its promise, the SPTT is not quite as a sophisticated as the tricorder. For instance, the tricorder was able to comprehensively diagnose obscure diseases. The standoff patient triage tool is a quantum leap forward for medical response, but the scope of science fiction remains the goal.
Press release from Department of Homeland Security’s Science & Technology Directorate
Posted by rsk at May 27, 2009 10:56 PM