Introduction
Introducing MATS - The Mobile Automated Tourniquet System - a vital tool for immediate response to gunshot wounds. In situations demanding swift action, MATS empowers on-site individuals to act as effective first responders.
Recognizing the urgency of severe bleeding, with victims at risk of death within 3-5 minutes and an average professional aid response time of 7-10 minutes, MATS bridges this critical gap by enabling immediate and appropriate on-site assistance. This user-friendly device simplifies the process of applying emergency hemorrhage aid to three simple steps: first apply the MATS next to the wound, select the applicable limb (arm or leg), and flip the switch to pressurize the tourniquet.
An average untrained applicator can often apply a tourniquet too loose, rendering the device completely useless. MATS incorporates an automated inflation process, ensuring the correct tightness for reliable bleed control. Tailored for accessibility in educational and civilian settings, it’s designed to be portable, and high contrast to ensure readability. By controlling the pressure differential, MATS aids in minimizing potential nerve damage during application.
In pivotal moments, trust MATS -The Mobile Automated Tourniquet System- working to bridge the gap between the onset of a critical situation and the arrival of professional aid.
Research Findings: Civilian Response to a Mass Casualty Incident
My research mainly investigated into the civilian response of Mass Casualty Incidents. Many mass casualty incidents feature first responders who, through no fault of their own, are severely overwhelmed with quantity of victims, type of care needed, and the inability to reach victims in a critical time frame. Through my research, I've come to three insights that amount to the advantages and limitations of civilians and their ability to respond in a mass casualty situation.
1. First Responders are often overwhelmed or too late to provide immediate trauma aid to the victims of a shooting, so it's up to civilians on scene to help.
2. When under extreme stress/high heart rate, physical and mental capabilities of both civilian and professional responders dwindle
What I really want to draw attention to here is the problems with vision and motor skills. This points to several key problems:
1. Users struggle to read textual directions
2. Users struggle to perform physically complex tasks, which are often required in first aid, extraction, and transportation
3. Civilians are likely to apply a tourniquet too loose due to the pain of the victim, stress, and/or lack of training, rendering the tourniquet useless.
Design Phase: A more intuitive tourniquet for everyone
DENMAN RESEARCH FORUM POSTER
POST-CAPSTONE DEVELOPMENT
After the official one semester capstone, which ended with the deliverables above, I decided to further elevate the design. With the guidance of my professor Will Nickley, I've been working to improve the aesthetic qualities of the design. Of course, keeping the same spirit of a simple, easy to use, mobile automated tourniquet system hasn't changed. The project is currently in progress, so check back for additional updates!
Updated Mood Board
