Army Turns to AI for Battlefield Anesthesia

Army experts are working on a new AI tool that will help commanders administer anesthetics to soldiers in battle. The goal of this new idea is to make more medical staff able to administer painkillers, even if they have little training.

The AI system, based on AI-GUIDE technology from MIT's Lincoln Laboratory, helps medics place needles and tubes more accurately in patients' arteries and veins. The Army's changed version has a screen interface that shows users where to place the needle in real time, pointing them left, right, up, or down.

Dr. Jose Salinas, who is in charge of making the tool at the Army Institute of Surgical Research, discusses its importance in modern fighting.

"When you see what's going on in Ukraine, medical teams must be on the move constantly." "Enemy drones can kill you if you stop for too long," Salinas said. "This AI tool can cut down on the number of people needed to treat pain while also improving patient care."

Lt. Col. Brian Kirkwood, the Army team's top AI officer, is also helping to improve the system.

This technology could change combat medicine by making regional anesthesia easier to get. This would make sure that wounded troops can get pain relief that could save their lives even in dangerous situations.