Novel Approaches to Point of Injury Case Utilising Robotic and Autonomous Systems

Abstract: Army has developed a robotic and autonomous system (RAS) strategy (2018); however, health has yet to feature in this domain Artificial intelligence can be used to augment surgical and resuscitative intervention on the battlefield utilising current heads-up display technology, aligning with three key strategic aims of the RAS document of 1) maximising soldier performance, 2) improving human decision making, and 3) protecting the fighting force Real-time monitoring of resuscitative efforts can minimise errors of omission and reduce preventable death rates on the battlefield Integrating these systems into the receiving medical treatment facility can similarly augment readiness and minimise handover and delays in instituting life-saving interventions upon arrival at higher echelons of care Bandwidth and connectivity denial in the contested environment can be overcome by incorporating algorithmic decision support into the local user hardware so the system can function offline Online access, when available, can link remote clinician resuscitation experts to integral medics providing care on scene Evacuation of casualties may also be enhanced using autonomous systems and crewless vehicles, potentially both airborne and ground-borne To be future-ready, Army must be able to rapidly adapt to changing battlefield circumstances Relying on what has worked in the past risks being surpassed by novel approaches that supersede and out-manoeuvre contemporary fighting forces This applies equally in military healthcare delivery as it does in combat units Army must anticipate and embrace changes to gain and maintain an advantage in the future operating environment As is laid out in Army's Robotic and Autonomous Systems (RAS) strategy (2018): 'Of particular importance will be considering the impact of systems that can improve the speed and accuracy of the human decision-making cycle.' (Chief of Army RM Burr) Of the five fields described in the RAS document as areas in which Army will seek to gain advantage by harnessing technology, two are directly applicable to health service delivery A third provides the same overarching theme as is fundamental to health--the function of health service delivery in protecting the fighting force The other two comprise maximising soldier performance and improving decision making.