New collaboration in triage tech will see lives saved on battlefields and in disaster zones

Two British companies have collaborated to create an instant triage system for casualties on battlefields or in disaster zones.

Leading Dorset-headquartered cyber-security company C3IA Solutions and Birmingham-based telemedicine pioneers Black Space Technology are already providing the life-saving tech across the world.

The system allows the transmission of health and medical information immediately from a casualty to experts who can give instant advice. The first hour after an injury is called the ‘golden hour’ and 80 per cent of deaths occur in this period, so speed of diagnosis, treatment and care is vital.

C3IA Solutions is a UK reseller of Silvus StreamCaster radios. They offer leading edge technology in a self-forming, self-healing robust mobile ad-hoc NETworking (MANET) system, which is resistant to interference and delivers high data throughput in a contested environment.

Now allied to this is Black Space Technology’s software, meaning relevant information such as vital signs can be sent at once to medical professionals. Sensors placed on the patient mean information is transmitted constantly so any changes will be noticed and the right advice can be given.

Other information and pictures can also be sent and the radios allow video calls so those on the ground can speak with medical professionals about the situation.

Ash Williams from C3IA Solutions, which is based in Poole, said: “This collaboration is about saving lives. The Silvus radios are the best there are and enable communications in places where there is no other way of keeping in touch. They are robust and powerful and create their own network on the ground. They also enable Black Space Technology’s software to be used to send and receive vital information. Already the interest from military, rescue and other services from around the world is strong.”

David Morgan, a former NHS consultant surgeon and Royal Marines reserve medical officer for eight years, is the CEO and medical director of Black Space Technology.

He said: “We provide point-of-injury monitoring solutions for battlefield and other remote or contested environments. Our software captures incremental data throughout any evacuation pathway which improves combat casualty care. The first hour after injury is called the golden hour and there is also the initial ‘platinum 10 minutes’.

“Speed of reaction and care therefore is absolutely crucial and through the Silvus radios and utilising Bluetooth and other technology our software can make all the difference. Sensors placed on the patient send a constant stream of data which are monitored by medical professionals either nearby in a command centre or further afield.

“Those on the ground can add extra data and receive instructions about what to do. Real-time video conferencing is also possible meaning decisions taken are more likely to be the best ones. It is of use to the military but also to NGOs in disaster zones – or wherever there are casualties. Our aim is to close the care gap and with C3IA Solutions we have a collaboration that will save lives.”