EmergenceMed, LLC — Department of Defense SBIR Phase II: AF221-DCSO1

Description

Airway management is critically important in combat casualty care and civilian trauma patients. For deployed military service members, airway compromise is the second leading cause of potentially survivable death on the battlefield, accounting for 1 in 10 preventable combat deaths. Effective suction is a key component of airway clearance, however currently available devices are too heavy and bulky to be carried, and insufficiently powered to be useful. EmergenceMed, LLC’s SCRAMM system will fill this gap, and the short-term impact will allow us to complete necessary design iterations and field testing of a lightweight, compact, powered suction. Longer term implementation will enable multi-domain and dual use deployment. The SCRAMM system is being designed through close collaboration with Air Force end users to have the following technological differentiators relative to the existing available units: smaller, lighter, and rugged without sacrificing power; longer run time with adaptable power sources; versatile towards multiple medical indications; novel features including clog resistance and clearing; infection control - disposable and exhaust is viral-safe; orientation independent – runs when mispositioned; and designed for real world combat trauma applications. SCRAMM will support the continuum of care including prolonged filed care, forward surgical units (e.g., Ground Surgical Team), and enroute care.