Advanced Tech, Like Blood-Carrying Drones, Aids Injured Israeli Soldiers
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have credited advanced technology and new medical procedures with saving 380 soldiers’ lives over the last 14 months of war. These advancements include drones delivering blood to combat zones and faster casualty evacuation methods, significantly improving survival rates.
Significant Reduction in Fatalities
The IDF has reduced battlefield fatality rates from 14.1% in the 2006 Lebanon war to 6.9% on the Gaza front and 7.1% on the Lebanon front in the current conflict. This improvement stems from faster medical intervention, with most injured soldiers receiving treatment within four minutes.
Faster Evacuations and Enhanced Care
Around 1,600 injured soldiers have been evacuated by helicopter, with evacuation times ranging from just over an hour from Gaza to 111 minutes from Lebanon due to challenging terrain. Soldiers are transported in specially outfitted vehicles or helicopters by trained medical teams.
Blood Delivery Innovations
The IDF has replaced crystalloids with whole blood and freeze-dried plasma for field treatments. Blood is transported in small coolers, while freeze-dried plasma, which does not require refrigeration, is reconstituted with water on-site. Thor drones have also been deployed to deliver blood in cooled boxes, dropped by parachute to ensure its stability.
New Medical Equipment in the Field
The use of advanced tourniquets and hemostatic bandages has improved the management of severe bleeding, particularly in hard-to-bandage areas like the groin. These tools help stabilize soldiers during the critical “golden hour” of trauma care.
Risks to Medical Personnel
Despite these advancements, the increased presence of medics in combat zones has resulted in casualties. The IDF reports that 58 medical personnel have been killed, accounting for 7% of the 804 service members lost since the war began in October 2023.
Addressing Challenges in Prolonged Combat
To support soldiers during extended combat, the IDF has deployed coolers capable of keeping blood viable for several days. These measures ensure that injured soldiers receive life-saving care even during lengthy engagements.
The IDF’s continued innovations aim to improve battlefield survival rates while navigating the challenges and risks faced by medical teams on the front lines.
Source: Breaking Defense
