DRDO develops casualty evacuation bags

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has designed a casualty evacuation bag to transport or isolate persons infected with COVID-19. The bag is water and air-proof and treated to deal with biological agents. DRDO will be procuring an initial lot of 500 such bags. DRDO’s Defence Bioengineering and Electromedical Laboratory (DEBEL), which carries out research in aero-medical engineering and life support equipment and Nuclear Chemical and Biological (NBC) protection systems, has developed this bag.

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The shape of the Bag:

The bag is in the shape of a rigid cylinder is made of non-woven, water-repellant fabric with air and waterproof zippers as well as a ventilator. It is coated with a film to cater to a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) environment with requisite protection against blood and viral penetration. The size and shape of the COVID casualty evacuation bag is something akin to a fabric chamber developed by DEBEL in the aftermath of the 1999 Kargil conflict to manage patients affected with High Altitude Pulmonary Odema (HAPO). The chamber is airtight and simulates air pressure that is prevalent at lower altitudes while evacuating patients from high altitude.

Multi-Patient Ventilators:

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is also trying to develop ‘multi-patient ventilators’ to support critical COVID-19 patients. The multi-patient ventilators will help support several patients through a single unit. The DRDO is developing the advanced ventilators to meet the demand in case the coronavirus outbreak goes out of control. The DRDO aims to produce around 5000 ventilators in the first months and 10,000 subsequently.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

• DRDO Chairman: G Satheesh Reddy; Established: 1958.
• Headquarters: New Delhi.

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