- The Air Force Research Labs (AFRL) developed the Tactical Anesthesia Workstation to enhance battlefield medical care during the critical “golden hour” after an injury. Lt. Col. Derek Sorensen introduced the workstation at the AFA Warfare Symposium, highlighting its role in providing damage control surgery and saving lives.
- The workstation organizes and structures medical gear, which previously sat on the floor or ground, improving care and saving lives.
- The Tactical Anesthesia Workstation is now in use at nearly 40 bases and is designed to be durable and functional in harsh environments.
Full Story
The Air Force Research Labs (AFRL) have developed a new piece of equipment to enhance battlefield medical care. The Tactical Anesthesia Workstation aims to improve treatment during the critical “golden hour” after an injury.
Lt. Col. Derek Sorensen of the 711th Human Performance Wing introduced the workstation at the Air & Space Forces Association Warfare Symposium.
“This is an iterative development to save the war fighter and bring heroes home,” Sorensen said. “It’s meant for our far forward surgical teams at the front line, providing damage control surgery and saving lives.”
Why was the workstation developed?
Before the workstation, medical gear often sat on the floor or ground.
“Now it’s organized and structured, helping save lives and improve care,” Sorensen explained.
The AFRL and the 711th Human Performance Wing at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base collaborated to find a solution. Sorensen highlighted the challenges faced by commercial partners.
“Medical device companies don’t need to make stations that can go out in the dirt and play,” he said. “We paired operational SMEs with experts and engineers to solve a complex problem quickly.”
The solution included introducing the stand to medical personnel during training.
“We fielded it first in the training pipeline,” Sorensen said. “Engineers and instructors could see performance issues and make adjustments before final production.”
Who uses the workstation?
The Tactical Anesthesia Workstation is now in use at nearly 40 bases. It will be deployed with medical teams near the action.
“This equipment helps provide better care and save lives in critical situations,” Sorensen added.
The workstation represents a significant advancement in battlefield medical care. By organizing and structuring medical gear, it enhances the ability of medical professionals to provide life-saving treatment during the golden hour.
What makes the workstation unique?
The Tactical Anesthesia Workstation is designed to be durable and functional in harsh environments. Its development involved extensive testing and feedback from medical personnel. This ensured that the final product met the needs of those on the front lines.
Sorensen emphasized the importance of rapid development and deployment.
“We have ways to speed it faster than anything,” he said. “Our engineers and instructors worked closely to refine the workstation before field testing.”
The workstation’s deployment at nearly 40 bases demonstrates its effectiveness and reliability. Medical teams can now provide better care in critical situations, improving survival rates and outcomes for injured personnel.
The AFRL’s development of the Tactical Anesthesia Workstation is a testament to the dedication and innovation of the Air Force’s research and medical teams. Their efforts have resulted in a valuable tool that enhances the capabilities of battlefield medical care.
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