Auscultation of Patient Breath Sounds During Patient Aeromedical Evacuation

Auscultation of breath sounds during an aeromedical evacuation is unachievable because of the noisy environment. Thus patient care capability is diminished because diagnosis and timely intervention might be compromised. In an emergency situation, civil or military, the traditional ambulance and aircraft (helicopter & fixed wing) are the usual means of evacuating critically ill patients. While the enclosed clinical space of these vehicles is noisy, the helicopter cabin noise is usually loudest. Helicopter noise levels of 100 dB(A) are common while breath sounds (signals) have been measured at 30 dB(A) and frequency ranges are comparable. Improving auscultation in this environment presents unique and complex problems which require unique solutions. The R&D effort demands a comprehensive investigation and understanding of the: (1) auscultation & diagnostic requirements, i.e., patient sound pathology (signals), (2) signal characteristics (frequency, amplitude), (3) noise interference characteristics, (4) method(s) for transmitting signals to the medic with maximum fiderlity. The principal Phase I objective is the design and demonstration of a bread-board model of the Auscultation Sensor & Telemetry Device (ASTD) in a simulated aeromedical evacuation environment (110 dB(A) noise level). Active & passive noise reduction technologies will be integrated into the design as necessary. UREA established alliances with consultants and companies that could best provide additional program suuport and diminish R&D risks.