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Robotically applied hemostatic clamping for care-under-fire: harnessing bomb robots for hemorrhage control
Andrew W Kirkpatrick1, Ian A McKee2, Brian Knudsen2
1TeleMedical Ultrasound Supported Medical Interventions (TMUSMI) Research Group, Departments of Surgery (Kirkpatrick, J.L. McKee) and Critical Care Medicine (Kirkpatrick), and the Trauma Service (Kirkpatrick, J.L. McKee), Foothills Medical Centre (Kirkpatrick, J.L. McKee), Calgary, Alta.; Canadian Forces Medical Services (Kirkpatrick); Edmonton Fire Department (I. McKee), Edmonton, Alta.; Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office (Knudsen), Centennial, Colo.; South Metro Fire Rescue (Shelton), Denver, Colo.; Rocky Vista School of Medicine (LaPorta), Parker, Colo.; Purdue University (Wachs), West Lafayette, Ind. andrew.kirkpatrick@ahs.ca.
Robotic hemorrhage control is feasible for law enforcement, with robots successfully stopping simulated bleeding in 60% of cases. This technology offers a vital care-under-fire option for dangerous scenarios.
Area of Science:
- Robotics
- Trauma Care
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Early hemorrhage control is critical for survival after interpersonal violence.
- Law enforcement is increasingly responsible for initial life-saving interventions.
- Unsafe shooting scenes necessitate robotic solutions for first response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility of using retrofitted bomb disposal robots for hemorrhage control.
- To assess robotic wound clamp application in simulated extremity exsanguination.
- To determine the effectiveness of robotic intervention in care-under-fire scenarios.
Main Methods:
- Two bomb disposal robots (Wolverine, Dragon Runner) were equipped with hemostatic wound clamps.
- Experienced operators performed 10 trials each, applying clamps to simulated wounds.
- Success rate, time to application, and fluid loss were measured.
Main Results:
- Robotic hemorrhage control was feasible, achieving complete bleeding cessation in 60% of applications.
- No significant difference in success rates between the two robot models.
- The Wolverine robot demonstrated faster application and less fluid loss compared to the Dragon Runner.
Conclusions:
- Law enforcement tactical robots can effectively control simulated extremity hemorrhage.
- Robotic hemorrhage control is a viable option for care-under-fire and care-behind-the-barricade situations.
- Further development of robotic technology and doctrine for battlefield trauma is recommended.
