Casualty Patient Warning Device

Hypothermia is a common threat to injured soldiers in the battlefield. Environmental exposure and hemorrhage are the primary culprits in the development of hypothermia. Normal battlefield clothing is inadequate to maintain normothermia, especially in the setting of trauma. This research project aims to develop portable devices that can effectively prevent hypothermia and maintain normothermia in trauma patients. The proposed solution consists of two different devices that can be used independently or collaboratively to deliver heat to the patient's core in a long lasting and controlled manner. These devices are designed to provide caregivers maximum access to the patient. A noninvasive core temperature monitoring device will also be developed as a complementary accessory. Both electrical and chemical based heat generation and delivery systems are to be investigated and prototyped. The Department of Emergency Medicine at the George Washington University Medical Center (letter of intent attached) will team up with Foster-Miller to develop clinical procedures and treatment guidelines. (P-040313)