Medical Innovation an Important Component of DSEI 2015

Ebola response, surgical simulation and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder are just some of the key issues which will be addressed by one of the world's largest events on the defence and security calendar.

Defence Security and Equipment International (DSEI) will host a wealth of medical innovations at its 2015 exhibition. This will include two conferences held on the 14 and 15 September, a variety of daily demonstrations, a range of exhibitors and a selection of relevant seminars and presentations.

The British Defence Medical Services (DMS) played a significant role in the recent Ebola epidemic and this year's DSEI examines DMS's challenges, breakthroughs and successes. The Ebola Learning Exploitation Strategic Conference will take place on 15 September with an introduction from the UK military's Surgeon General, Air Marshal Paul Evans, followed by a keynote from the Royal United Services Institute's (RUSI) Jennifer Cole, a Senior Research Fellow in Resilience and Emergency Management. The conference will analyse the approaches taken in Operation Gritrock during the epidemic.

Major Chris Gibson from the Army Medical Services Training Centre (AMSTC) led the team tasked with delivering the training assurance process for Operation Gritrock. Major Gibson said that the "highly complicated and multifaceted" operation led to "the drafting, rehearsing and acceptance of 57 new Standard Operating Procedures". The operation required "a fundamental mind-set and philosophical change to our treatment protocols", and saw novel procurements such as a "Bluetooth patient note transfer and a two way video and microphone system which allowed for remote monitoring of staff and patients in all areas of the facility".

The army's research and dedication to a secure medical facility to use during the outbreak paid off. All staff returned safe and well and Major Gibson commented that "this truly was a benchmark event for clinical education, training, safety and operational medical support. This success has gained world health education and delivery organisational attention and I believe is widely marketable to industry and international communities". The conference will close with a look to a future in which unplanned operations and crises seem inevitable.

The main DSEI exhibition will also run daily demonstrations on the Ebola Virus Disease Treatment Unit (EVDTU). The sessions will demonstrate the use of the Air Transport Isolator and equipment used to provide a wide ranging diagnostic capability, in a safe and controlled manner during the Ebola breakout and will run on Tuesday 15 September at 1100h and 1630h and on Wednesday 16 and Thursday 17 September at 1300h and 1630h for half an hour.

The Trauma Innovation Strategic Conference will be held in partnership with the Defence Medical Services (DMS) on Monday 14th September and will look at the three themes of Legacy of Conflict, Future Conflict and Conflict Research. The three sections will examine the current clinical challenges in medical conflict, investigate the challenges of medical support in the future and also look into the latest developments and research in trauma.

The other key demonstration taking place will be the interactive Battle Run showing the patient care pathway from Point of Wounding through to Rehabilitation and Mental Health, to be staged on Tuesday 15 September at 1000h and 1530h, and at 1200h and 1530h on Wednesday 16 and Thursday 17 September. These demonstrations are focused around how medical teams respond in the 'platinum' 10 minutes following a trauma event. Instructors from the Defence College of Healthcare Education and Training (DCHET) will demonstrate how military medics are trained to provide the care in the most demanding of circumstances.

Visitors to the exhibition will also see new and innovative products and services from a range of companies operating in the medical domain.

Deltacore will exhibit its mobile water purification devices. The company's Director, Vili Brandt, said, "We believe the system will have a great impact on future modes or strategies for providing drinking water in emergency situations: disaster relief, rescue operations, humanitarian aid activities and remote communities. It is especially suitable for areas where there is no infrastructure for providing drinking water to the people."

The loss of a limb is a tragic consequence of traumatic injury suffered by military service personnel. DSEI exhibitor, Blatchford Clinical Services, has developed a prosthetic limb with an integrated computer control of the knee and foot. This pioneering system means that the mechanical parts connect and are integrated just like a human leg, enabling the wearer to adjust back to life more quickly and comfortably.

Prometheus Deltatech develops a range of emergency equipment for pre-hospital treatment across the military and civilian markets. This includes essential kit such as splints and stretchers, including their latest innovation in stretcher technology, the Prometheus Q-PODTM. This is an isolation stretcher system that allows for the transportation of a suspected infectious patient who requires monitoring during transport.

The military has historically played an important role in breakthroughs and advances in medical care. In recent years, a combination of technological advancement, an efficient trauma care system and understanding of new concepts has led to a revolution in combat casualty treatment and a significant increase in the survival rate of soldiers, sailors and pilots.

DSEI provides an opportunity to learn about the latest developments in this crucial sector and see the equipment that enables military doctors to continue their remarkable work.