Special Medical Emergency Evacuation Device Platform

Abstract

Abstract : The US Army Institute of Surgical Research (USAISR) has developed a Special Medical Emergency Evacuation Device (SMEED) platform (US patent pending), designed to secure commercial, off-the-shelf monitors, infusion pumps, ventilators, and similar equipment to the standard NATO litter. This system fits the most commonly used equipment in the US military inventory, and is easily customized to fit other devices. The need for such a system was evident during a mass-casualty training exercise for burns conducted by the USAISR Special Medical Augmentation Response Team (SMART Team) aboard a C 17 USAF aircraft in March 2000: there is no quick and efficient way to secure vital equipment to litters. The following requirements were established for such a product: rugged, lightweight, inexpensive, compatible with current and future commercial devices; customizable to meet individual customer and patient needs and aproved for in-flight use aboard military aircraft. ISR designed the first prototype platform and directed its fabrication at the Air Force Research Laboratory machine shop at Brooks AFB, TX. The SMART Team rigorously tested it aboard a broad range of vehicles during field training exercises at the Soldier-Medic Training Site, Camp Bullis, TX; Ft. Hood, TX; and the Florida Ranger Camp. The platform under went further revision at the USAISR and has been transitioned to advanced product development by the US Army Medical Materiel Development Agency (USAMMDA). The new version (Model IV SMEED) has successfully undergone USAF AFMED testing. The SMEED passed all of the tests successfully and was approved for use during all phases of flight on all USAF Aircraft.