The Office of Naval Research (ONR) https://www.onr.navy.mil is collaborating with the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research https://www.usaisr.ammedd.army.mil, and industry partner Athena GTX’s https://athenagtx.com on the FDA approved Wireless Vital Signs Monitor (WVSM). The WVSM is designed as part of ONR’s sponsored Automated Critical Care System (ACCS) which is a patient care system unit in a suitcase weighing under 25 pounds.
So far, more than 200 of the monitors have been sold to emergency response units in Iowa, Texas, North Carolina, Maryland, Missouri, and Pennsylvania. The monitor is also used currently by the U.S Special Operations Command and the Air Force.
The WVSM monitor is able to track heart rate, pulse, and blood pressure and can monitor up to 20 patients simultaneously using a tablet, personal computer, or smart phone either in the military or in emergency situations involving civilians.
First responders have used the WVSM successfully in training exercises and in emergencies such as fires, tornados, hurricanes, and at large public events where groups of people need medical attention. For example, Texas emergency crews treated people injured during a hospital explosion.
Through complex software algorithms, the WVSM is able to analyze patient data, determine if someone is in stable or worsening condition, and can calculate the need for life-saving interventions such as surgery or blood transfusions. This differs from traditional vital signs monitors which provide basic health information but can’t predict if the medical condition is about to deteriorate.