According to the Center for Disease Control, traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects more than 1.7 million people annually and is treatable if the signs are recognized. BlackBox Biometrics offers a wearable biometric device, called the Blast Gauge System, that detects the signs of traumatic brain injury as a result of environmental factors related to blast overpressure.
The Blast Gauge System has just received an upgrade, BlackBox having just announced the launch of a new model of the wearable unit. Advancements on the new Blast Gauge System include longer battery life and a high-g accelerometer.
According to BlackBox Biometrics, most blast accelerations can’t be measured by commercial grade tech, so the high-g accelerometer is a great asset on the battlefield. The new sensor can measure up to 200g. BlackBox uses the metaphor of a foot hitting a soccer ball to illustrate the severity of the overpressure (a very unfortunate scenario for a brain).
Traumatic brain injuries account for almost a third of all injury related deaths and the early signs are difficult to detect in mild to moderate cases. The effects of blast overpressure vary from situation to situation, and those exposed to the condition may only begin to exhibit symptoms of TBI (cognitive or motor deficits) weeks or months later.
With the Blast Gauge System, which is worn on a soldier or law enforcement officer’s person, medical staff and commanding officers have immediate visual feedback to best assess the likelihood of traumatic brain injury. Pushing a button solicits a discreet visual cue if further attention is required.
In the case that a blast victim does require triage and treatment, a micro-USB connection allows for detailed blast data to be downloaded. The data, which is helpful in providing the best treatment, can also be used to further research into blast-related brain injuries.
—
July 23, 2014 – by Peter B. Counter
Follow Us