The research by Dstl Porton Down, published this month, confirmed that improved oxygenation can ‘buy time’ in blast injuries. This is of profound military significance, as survival for an hour would enable evacuation. Stephen Lamb, Consultant at Cambridge Design Partnership, explains, “Despite strong evidence emerging that forward oxygen deployment can improve survival rates after blast injury, casualties are usually without oxygen before being evacuated by helicopter. “This is because frontline personnel may not have access to vehicle support and the pressurised oxygen cylinders are heavy to transport and vulnerable to ballistic threats.
Although there are portable oxygen generators available these are very power hungry and require heavy batteries. “At CDP, one of our core strengths is miniaturising technology to make it portable. Our concept is based around a lightweight oxygen generator with an integral micro diesel engine. Diesel is much more energy dense than batteries and can be scavenged if necessary from ground-based vehicles or local sources. “The key innovation is how the engine and oxygen generator are integrated to reduce weight and improve efficiency. The solution is a compact, lightweight and safe source of oxygen which can run for hours on a small quantity of fuel. There is also the potential to use the compact engine as an electrical power source to reduce the battery burden of dismounted soldiers, which can be as high as 11kg.” Lamb and his team have successfully demonstrated the prototype system and are confident they can miniaturise the system further. This is based on their experience of developing medical equipment for civilian ambulance crews and work in producing miniature battery packs. Lamb explains that interaction with the end-users was essential to the success of the project.
“The initial consultation period with MoD medical specialists, end-users and experts in far-forward procedures was essential in helping us to understand the operating constraints and confirm key design decisions. This same group was involved when reviewing the prototype and will be central to guiding future product development.” The Dstl Porton Down research found that blast injuries are an increasing problem in military and civilian practice and proposes a new forward resuscitation strategy including the use of supplemental oxygen to increase survival and reduce physiological deterioration. Cambridge Design Partnership sees a major opportunity for the supply of compact oxygen generators in civilian ambulances, air ambulances and in search and rescue operations, and is seeking partners to manufacture the product and take it to market. The investment by the MoD is therefore catalysing an innovation process with considerable military and humanitarian benefit. The work was contracted by Defence Science and Technology programme working with: The Surgeon General; the Assistant Chief of Defence Staff Health; the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine; and the Medical Logistics Division, in collaboration with the Technology Strategy Board. The views expressed in the publication are those of the author(s) and are not necessarily those of the funding partners. -
Kirkman, E., Watts, S. & Cooper, G. (2011) 'Blast Injury Research Models' Phil. Trans. R. Soc. B 366, 144-159.
For further information, please contact:
Rebecca Nesbit/Rachel Holdsworth, PR consultants, Holdsworth Associates
Tel: 01954 202789
Email: rebecca@holdsworth-associates.co.uk
About Cambridge Design Partnership LLP
Cambridge Design Partnership is a successful research and development consultancy focused on creating value for our clients by converting ideas and technology into commercial success. Our clients come from consumer and medical industries and they have one thing in common: they see investment in innovation as fundamental to growth and competitive advantage. Working as an integrated team, we operate ahead of market change with a dynamic, flexible approach that leads to enduring client relationships, anchored by high quality work and excellent customer service. Our staff of engineers, scientists and designers has grown rapidly to establish a world leading reputation for technical excellence, astute project management and, above all, thinking differently.
Cambridge Design Partnership Mike Beadman, Church Road, Toft Cambridge, CB23 2RF United Kingdom
Tel: 01223 264428
Email: mab@cambridge-design.co.uk
www.cambridge-design.co.uk
About the Centre for Defence Enterprise (CDE)
The Centre for Defence Enterprise (CDE), part of the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory [dstl], is the gateway to the Ministry of Defence for ideas and innovation from UK industry, academia and innovators that will help ensure our Armed Forces are best equipped now and in the future. It provides a rapid response to anyone with an innovative idea, supporting them with a range of advice, assistance and potentially research funding. CDE welcomes all ideas, regardless of how unusual or outrageous they may at first appear.
Further information about the Centre for Defence Enterprise can be found at www.science.mod.uk/enterprise.
Press Enquiries should be directed to:
Sonia Marshall, Press Officer - Equipment, Tel: 0207 218 3258 Email: DMC-newsequipment2@mod.uk
About the Centre for Defence Enterprise (CDE) showcase
The event is a development of a successful ministerial and media briefing that CDE held last year. This year it will also include a conference as part of the government’s consultation on the Defence and Security Industrial and Technology Policy Green. The theme of the conference is Innovation and Partnership with SMEs in Defence. The showcase part of the event is for up to 20 organisations who have been successfully involved with CDE. The conference and showcase will be attended and opened by Peter Luff, Minister for Defence Equipment Support and Technology.
