A device that can stop the rapid blood loss from a stab wound has won the Dyson Award. The technology is still in its infancy, but could be used to save lives on the battlefield and at home.
The React device, which stands for Rapid Emergency Actuating Tamponade, may be handed to cops who arrive first at a stabbing incident (Credits: PA)
This year’s UK James Dyson Award went to a 22-year-old for inventing a possibly life-saving gadget to assist stop bleeding from knife wounds.
Stab patients may bleed to death in as little as five minutes, thus emergency workers must focus on preventing excessive blood loss.
Although paramedics utilize pack kits to treat stab victims, the cops are typically the first on the scene.
According to research by gadget manufacturer Joseph Bentley, officers presently lack the quick and accessible instruments needed to avoid catastrophic blood loss.
His React gadget, which stands for Rapid Emergency Actuating Tamponade, is designed to aid cops in treating knife wounds as they wait for medical treatment.
‘Knife crime is a subject that is personal to me since two of my friends have been victims of knife-related events,’ said the Essex product design graduate.
‘Thankfully, neither event resulted in death, but this is not often the case.
‘Watching the devastating impact it had on my friends and their families inspired me to attempt to come up with a solution that might assist others in the future.’
The React gadget was invented by Joseph Bentley, a 22-year-old Essex resident. (Photo credit: PA)
An implanted medical-grade silicone balloon tamponade is inflated into the wound tract, effectively filling the cavity and stopping internal bleeding.
Current wound care methods, such as tightly packing with gauze, are slow, complex, and unpleasant for the sufferer, according to Mr Bentley.
He says that his prototype could be installed and halt bleeding in under a minute, and that it could save hundreds of lives per year.
‘Sadly, knife crime is on the increase, and we’re seeing more and more instances of knife-related injuries in A&E departments in London and throughout England and Wales,’ said Dr Alex George, an A&E doctor and former Love Island participant.
‘While more has to be done in the broader community to combat knife crime at its source, Joseph’s React idea, if it passes its medical testing, may be an amazing solution to assist first responders, police officers, and medical experts in dealing with these kinds of injuries.’
Medical trials are still required for the gadget. (Photo credit: PA)
‘With these kinds of accidents, time is of the essence, and the React system may assist buy some time until comprehensive medical care can be given.’
As part of the national award, the 22-year-old will get £2,000 to further develop his idea, and will advance to the worldwide stage of the James Dyson Award in 2021.
Mr Bentley said, “I was ecstatic when I found out I’d received the national James Dyson Award.”
‘This distinguished endorsement demonstrates that the React idea has the potential to provide real-world advantages and have a beneficial effect on society.’
The device inflates a medical-grade silicone balloon tamponade that is implanted into the wound tract. (Photo credit: PA)
‘Despite the fact that medical device testing takes a long time, I’m excited to use the award money to further develop my invention and, eventually, see the gadget in the hands of first responders saving lives.’
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