While we don’t have the technology to make a Tricorder as effective as the ones used in Star Trek, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) is developing a tool called the Standoff Patient Triage Tool (SPTT). The purpose of the SPTT is to aid first responders at a disaster triage patients quickly and accurately. Triaging patients with traditional methods can take 3-5 minutes per person. This can become an extremely difficult and time intensive task during a disaster, exactly the opposite of what we’d like. Therefore, the goal of the SPTT is to reduce triage time to 30 seconds per patient by providing accurate readings of pulse, body temperature, and respiration from up to twenty paces away all in a portable package about the size of a legal notebook.

A drawing of the proposed 15 inch by 8.5 inch x 6 inch Standoff Patient Triage Tool (SPTT) with the following features. 1) 4 x 6 display window; 2) Control button; 3) Infrared camera window; 4) Visible camera window; 5) Ranging subassembly window; 6) Shock bumpers. (Source: DHS S&T)

The SPTT takes advantage of Laser Doppler Vibrometry (LDV) in conjunction with a visual and infrared camera to make it’s readings. LDV takes advantage of the doppler shift produced when a laser bounces off a moving target. The shift in frequency upon return of the laser beam is measured and then analyzed in order to determine the velocity over time of the target. In this case, the SPTT’s vibrometer detects the movement of blood vessels and utilizes algorithms to extrapolate relevant data. So far researchers have found that the SPTT can produce strong readings from the head, chest, abdomen and foot. Currently, taking readings from the cartoid artery region of the neck appears to be the best option. Further testing needs to be done on patients in awkward positions, as well as with differing layers of clothing.

While the SPTT can’t do everything a tricorder can do, it appears to be taking a great first step in providing a portable device capable of providing first responders with accurate job critical data that will help them save lives. Maybe it’s only a matter of time before doctors start waving a small device around the patients while asking them what brings them into the office that day.

(Image Source)(DHS S&T Press Release)

In the spirit of Thanksgiving I’d like to give thanks to the many things science, tech, or otherwise that have provided me with a sense of wonderment, a moment of joy, a chuckle, or a LOL over the past year.

• I’m thankful for the rapid development of internet technologies which allow me easy access to a wealth of media (a.k.a distractions) from awesome experimental data to cultural gems like this.
• I’m thankful for the reference books, papers, and tools available on Pubmed, without which hours of toil may have turned into weeks or months.
• I’d like to give thanks to the many science blogs that populate my Google Reader. The science blogosphere is something I’ve found and come to love over the past year. From Aetiology to Mystery Rays from Outer Space (and everyone else in the blog roll!) the content, breadth and discussion continue to impress me day in and day out.
• I’m thankful that many scientists defy the stereotype of being resistant to change by actively taking a role in the adoption of internet technologies not only to alter the way they work or store data, but to advocate a revolution in the way science is communicated. Discussions about Open Notebook Science can only help the scientific process.
• I’m very thankful to those making use of their knowledge and experience to encourage future scientists and dispel myths in order to help educate the public.

Last but not least I’m thankful for my family and friends, especially my blog mates here at Bench Press and I’d like to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving!