Screen-free handheld innovation can help ambulance staff identify life-threatening internal bleeding without ultrasound or radiologists
Doctors at King George’s Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow, have developed a portable, screen-free device capable of detecting internal bleeding in trauma patients during the critical “golden hour” after an accident. The innovation aims to help emergency teams identify life-threatening injuries quickly, particularly in settings where advanced diagnostic facilities are unavailable. The inventors have filed a patent for the device, while final approval is awaited.
The handheld device has been developed by KGMU Chief Medical Superintendent and Trauma Surgeon Prof. Prem Raj Singh along with Medical Superintendent Prof. Amiya Agarwal. It is designed to detect abnormal fluid, including internal bleeding, in the abdomen, a condition that is often difficult to diagnose immediately after road accidents and other traumatic injuries.
Unlike conventional ultrasound machines, the device does not require a display screen or a trained radiologist for operation. It can be used by ambulance personnel, paramedics and emergency responders with minimal training, making it suitable for ambulances, district hospitals and rural healthcare centres where advanced imaging facilities are limited.
The device works by placing a probe over the patient’s abdomen. It analyses the presence of abnormal fluid and immediately alerts the user if internal bleeding or other fluid accumulation is detected. The device operates on both battery and electricity, enabling uninterrupted use even in resource-limited environments.
Explaining the significance of the innovation, the developers said that while external bleeding is usually visible and can often be controlled through first aid, internal bleeding frequently remains undetected until the patient’s condition becomes critical.
According to the team, nearly 30-35% of trauma patients experience internal bleeding, many of whom require urgent specialised treatment. The device can also be used repeatedly to monitor whether the bleeding is increasing, allowing healthcare providers to decide whether immediate transfer to a higher trauma centre is necessary.
“Many trauma patients suffer internal blood loss that is not immediately visible. Early detection can help healthcare workers decide whether a patient requires urgent transfer to a specialised trauma centre,” Prof. Prem Raj Singh said.
The doctors said the portable device has been specifically developed to strengthen emergency care in ambulances, district hospitals and rural healthcare facilities where access to advanced diagnostic equipment is often unavailable. The patent application for the innovation has already been published, while final approval is currently awaited.
