Injured troops to be given ‘life support for the limb’ treatment

A NEW technique that could help save soldiers’ limbs has been pioneered by Scots biomedical engineers.

Described as a ‘life-support system for the limb’, it aims to give doctors precious time to attempt to repair damage and reduce amputations.

The technique has been developed by researchers at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow and funded by The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory.

It was created following the experiences of military personnel in Iraq and Afghanistan, where Improvised Explosive Devices caused traumatic injury.

Professor Terry Gourlay, head of the Biomedical Engineering department at the university, said: ‘The system we have developed is essentially a life-support system for the limb which gives doctors precious time to attempt to repair damage.’

In the first stage of the treatment, a special tourniquet is applied to the limb, applying pressure at different points and in turn reducing pressure and damage to specific areas.

A cooling ‘sock’ is then wrapped around the tissue, to preserve it from further damage until the casualty can be evacuated to a care facility.

Once at a hospital, the limb is then placed inside a protective ‘box’, which can sustain the area while doctors attempt repairs.