Hemorrhagic shock — wherein reduced tissue perfusion results in the inadequate delivery of oxygen and nutrients necessary for cellular function — is a leading cause of preventable death in casualty care settings, the researchers explained. Yet, current methods for detecting hemorrhagic shock tend to fail to detect blood loss until the onset of shock. As such, early detection and management of bleeding-related conditions is critical to improving survival.

To address this, the team is developing a mobile device capable of detecting blood pressure waveforms, which correspond with the volume of blood within the blood vessels, and can thus be used to determine if blood volume is falling as a result of hemorrhaging.

The researchers believe that this device will enable first responders and hospital staff to receive faster, more accurate readings, thereby allowing them to respond more quickly.

Initially, the team will create machine learning models and algorithms for analyzing the pressure signals for blood loss detection. Then, the team will prototype and create the wearable device for detecting blood loss before eventually testing the device.

Once constructed, a prototype of the device will be miniaturized and will eventually be appropriate for use by medics arriving at an incident where there are multiple casualties but a limited amount of saline, for example.

The researchers explained that the device could potentially help first responders determine who needs saline and how urgently. Further, the device could also remain attached to anyone injured in an incident to determine if their blood pressure crashed due to a delayed reaction and, subsequently, would need the immediate administration of fluids.

Ultimately, the team is hoping to develop a device that is less than an inch square and that features a catheter that connects to a vein, and a port to which an IV bag is connected.