JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, TX – Recently, the US Army Medical Test and Evaluation Activity (USAMTEAC) in collaboration with the United States Army Medical Materiel Development Activity (USAMMDA) had the opportunity to test two medical devices using the latest technology of smart phone. Using applications and technologies for mobile devices, the USAMTEAC team tested a decision support tool for thermal stress (HSDA) and mental acuity, as well as four portable devices. ultrasound (USFP) different. If adopted for use, these systems bring portability, ease of use and reduced maintenance requirements in a compact size to deployed military medicine. USAMTEAC used subject matter test players who provided critical practical assessments in a simulated real-world scenario at two different locations at Camp Bullis, TX.

The HSDA is a mobile operational planning application designed to be easily installed and accessible on any portable mobile device. This app allows unit commanders to perform real-time heat injury risk assessments based on environmental factors, activity levels and individual clothing factors based on algorithms derived from Technical Bulletin 507 HSDA incorporates an output display that provides operational planners with core temperature estimates and calculates recommended safe working times, water requirements and the risk of heat damage. The app calculates the probabilities of heat injury and illness for training and deployment operations. Designed for infantry units and mission planners, the HSDA combines advanced laboratory models and the six-cylinder thermal model to predict the risk of heat illness / injury in soldier populations. The HSDA diagram describes a functional view of the data flow that generates basic body and sweat rate outputs from four categories of inputs derived from end users.

The USFP is a new requirement designed to fill a capability gap for the tactical combat medical care provider’s medical equipment set. This test assessed the operational effectiveness and suitability of the USFP to aid in an acquisition decision. The USFP is a rapid, non-invasive diagnostic imaging device used to visualize or exclude injuries (eg, internal bleeding, collapsed lung, musculoskeletal injuries). This device will bring diagnostic imaging to Role 1 in the Battalion Aid Station (BAS) and Area / Brigade Role 2 Support Treatment Platoon to enhance the caregiver’s ability to sort out life-threatening injuries and prioritizing emergency evacuations, as well as diagnosing less serious injuries, providing on-site treatment and promoting return to work in extended care scenarios in the field. During the test there were four different USFP devices. Test players with a variety of specialized backgrounds performed targeted assessments on high-fidelity ghosts and volunteer participants live with the USFP and used a tablet and mobile phone to view the ultrasound images.

“This one is pretty impressive,” said Lt. Col. Brett Gendron, 65D emergency medicine assistant at Brooke Army Medical Center, describing the USFP. “They all bring something to the table, and this one, I think, was the easiest to use. Portability is paramount, not requiring a large system requiring logistical support.

After testing, USAMTEAC prepares a detailed report for a decision-making authority to review possible procurement and commissioning. To learn more about USAMTEAC, visit their website at https://medcoe.army.mil/usamteac.