Smarter faster just-in-time hemorrhage control: A pilot evaluation of remotely piloted aircraft system delivered STOP-THE-BLEED equipment with just-in-time remote telementored deployment

Abstract

IntroductionRemotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) can access patients inaccessible to traditional rescue. Just-in-time remote telementoring (RTM) of naïve users to self-care could potentially address challenges in salvaging exsanguination in remote environments. MethodsAn exsanguination self-application task was established in a wilderness location. Three volunteers-initiated distress calls to prompt RPAS precision delivered STOP-THE-BLEED kits, after which a remote mentor directed the volunteers how to self-care. ResultsLimited connectivity prevented video, however each volunteer delivered images and initiated conversation with the mentor pre-RPAS arrival. Thereafter, all subjects were able to unpack and deploy hemorrhage control adjuncts under verbal direction, and to simulate self-application. All subjects were able to successfully apply wound-clamps, tourniquets, and pack wounds although one had insufficient pressure. DiscussionRPASs can deliver supplies long before human rescuers, and communication connectivity might allow remote mentoring in device application. Further development of technology and self-care paradigms for exsanguination are encouraged.