Medics are using the latest technology to improve how they treat casualties on the battlefield.
A Medic from 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment (2 PARA), Regimental Aid Post in a deployed location preparing a drone for flight which will transport a blood donation kit from a soldier.
A medic from 2 PARA , Regimental Aid Post taking blood from a patient which will be sent via drone to a deployed location on the ground.
Blood donation kit in a deployed location awaiting transportation via a drone.
A medic from 2 PARA , Regimental Aid Post deployed on the ground, using the Android Tactical Awareness Kit.
A medic deployed on the ground guides on a drone carrying a blood donation.
2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment (2 PARA)’s medics are flying drones to deliver blood and video calling medical specialists thousands of miles away for advice on treating the wounded.
The medical innovations were tested on Exercise Rhino Bizz, which saw 16 Air Assault Brigade training in Canada to rehearse how they would fight and win on a battlefield dominated by drones and electronic warfare.
As airborne forces, 2 PARA could find themselves dropped behind enemy lines and cut off from resupply.
Sergeant Mark Gordon, 2 PARA’s medical sergeant, said: “We need to be able to operate with what we have carried into battle. Blood has always been challenging – it is a live product that is difficult to carry forward and keep usable. If a casualty is losing blood, they will die if we cannot stop the bleeding and replace what they’ve lost.”
Delivering blood by drone
To solve the problem, 2 PARA has created its own blood donation network. Every paratrooper has had their blood type tested and their location on the battlefield is tracked on live digital mapping. If a casualty needs blood, a medic can take it from the nearest suitable donor, with a drone flying the blood to where it is needed.
“Drones are being used to kill and wound, and I like that we are using the same technology to save lives.”
Lance Corporal Olivia Snoots is a Combat Medical Technician - providing care at the point of wounding - and a qualified drone pilot.
“When I signed up as a medic, I had no idea that flying drones would be part of the job,” she said. “2 PARA has a real spirit of innovation – we’re encouraged and supported to try things out that could make us more effective. For this project, I’ve done courses to work with blood and qualified as a drone pilot.
“Drones are being used to kill and wound, and I like that we are using the same technology to save lives.”
Seeking a second opinion
2 PARA has recently received MPU5 radios, which give troops secure voice and data links over a self-healing mesh network. The medics are using the improved communications kit to video call specialist clinicians for advice on how best to treat a complex injury.
“A medic on the battlefield can call a consultant back in the UK, and they can see the casualty’s injuries."
Sgt Gordon said: “A medic on the battlefield can call a consultant back in the UK, and they can see the casualty’s injuries. Having that expert advice will give the casualty a better chance of surviving and gives the medic confidence, because they know they’re not on their own.”
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