Improving the Effectiveness of Combat Wounded Warfighters – Phase II
NCMS Project #: 140916
Problem: Today, litters continue to have the same basic construct with some improvements in attachment points, or straps for multiple vehicle transport. There is little to nothing in place for further injury mitigation caused from vibration or shock loads induced during transport of the victim. Today’s litter is a ridged cage, one-size-fits-all solution.
Benefit: The new and innovative concept design will bring a superior approach to commercial technology usage, with broader operational utility as well as improved and simplified means for in-vehicle integration. Beyond the safety issues of a stable litter that can minimize further injury to the already injured, the cost of medical treatment for further injuries incurred during rescue can be saved. Injured warfighters’ transport survivability will be enhanced as a direct result of the innovative modular and configurable litter design that allows for commonality across multiple transportation platforms.
Solution/Approach: The project scope includes a benchmark analysis of available litter products and work on improving the design that will bring a superior approach to commercial technology usage, with broader operational utility as well as improved and simplified means for in-vehicle integration and provide a new material approach to mitigate casualty vertical impulse and shock waves. Also, biomechanical research will be conducted on prototypes to determine the viability for reducing shock/vibrational forces into the body.
Impact on Warfighter:
- Upgraded, safer rescue carrier
- Increased safety and rate of survival
- Increased specialty response team capabilities
DOD Participation:
- U.S. Army MEDCOM
- U.S. Army TARDEC
Industry Participation:
- Portable Factory
- Archimedes Analytical, LLC
- NCMS
Benefit Area(s):
- Safety
- Improved readiness
Focus Area:
- Energy, environmental, health, and safety