From turnstiles to drones: How cutting-edge technologies are saving soldiers' lives on the battlefield.
How military medics save the lives of soldiers on the front lines and how they utilize modern technologies – in this article by Anastasia Rokitna for RBK-Ukraine.
In wartime, medics perform a dual role, preserving both their lives and the lives of their comrades. The chain of rescue operations on the battlefield begins with a radio message: "Three hundred!" Following this, the combat medic heads to the rescue zone, where they retrieve the injured alongside fellow soldiers.
The evacuation transport arrives at the designated point and takes the soldier to the stabilization point. There, the condition is assessed, bleeding is stopped, and splints are applied, preparing the fighter for transfer to the hospital, where they receive all necessary care.
This is one of the most precise and responsible tasks on the battlefield, where every minute counts. Modern warfare compels military medicine to continually evolve, integrating the latest technologies to save soldiers' lives. Which technologies are being used – find out in the article RBK-Ukraine.
Drones as "Rescuers"
The evacuation of the wounded from the battlefield is a key task for medics. Drones, such as Zipline, quickly transport the injured from hard-to-reach or dangerous areas, equipped with specialized stretchers and stabilization equipment for safe patient transport. Additionally, DJI Matrice 300 and Tac Med Drone are actively used to deliver medications and medical supplies directly to the front lines.
In addition to aerial drones, ground unmanned vehicles like FOXTAC – a robotic transporter produced in Ukraine – are used to safely evacuate the wounded and deliver ammunition. The THeMIS system, developed by the Estonian company Milrem Robotics, also plays a significant role, performing tasks related to the evacuation of the wounded and fire support.
"Electronic stretchers", often mentioned by medics, operate in conjunction with drones, quickly transporting casualties to medical points while minimizing physical risk for medics, though the emotional toll remains.
Photo: Remote-controlled platform for the evacuation of military personnel – developed by FoxTac (t.me/zedigital)
Vladislav, a combat medic from the border brigade, shares that over three years of full-scale war, he has learned "not to get attached to people, setting aside his emotions and working with a cool mind."
"I have become less emotional, more composed. I believe this allows me to work quickly and professionally in critical situations. I also approach losses with calmness and teach others to do the same, as it can affect the morale and psychological state of the troops. Fortunately, there hasn’t been a soldier that I or my crew couldn't save," he shares.
Vladislav performs tasks at the first aid level, having himself sustained injuries and pulled himself from a critical condition. He emphasizes the importance of drones for evacuation and medication delivery: "This significantly enhances logistics and the speed of care. The use of such technologies allows for a faster response to the needs of the injured, reducing the time required to transport medicines and equipment."
Klaus, a soldier from the "Rubezh" brigade, acknowledges the sense of responsibility in his role but prefers not to discuss his emotional state, highlighting the promising use of carrier drones.
"The concept of a drone-stretcher that can autonomously transport the injured is impressive. It would eliminate the need for two to four soldiers who would otherwise need to carry the wounded. However, in emergency situations, using drones can be challenging due to the need for immediate response," he believes.
Hemostatic Agents and Their Effectiveness
Hemostatic agents are another crucial element on the battlefield, allowing for rapid bleeding control. Among the most common products is Celox Combat Gauze, which effectively stops critical bleeding in combat situations.
Another popular product is QuikClot, which contains kaolin – a substance that accelerates blood clotting upon contact with a wound. ChitoGauze, infused with chitosan, is used to stop bleeding due to its antibacterial properties and ability to promote rapid clotting.
Photo: In addition to providing operational assistance to wounded defenders, it is also important to use proven effective products (Getty Images)
"Klaus," who was injured in a combat zone, shared his experience with hemostatics: "I used Celox Combat Gauze on myself, and it really creates a clot quite quickly. I always carry tranexamic acid with a solvent in case of complex situations. However, this product is not instant, and it should be used carefully," he explains.
Evgenia Slivko, advisor to the commander of the Medical Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, notes the importance of modern hemostatic agents in her comments to RBK-Ukraine: "Hemostatic agents are key in providing first aid on the battlefield. Their proper use can significantly reduce the risk of blood loss and save lives."
She also emphasizes that "thanks to the implementation of new pre-hospital care protocols, which include the use of tourniquets and hemostatics, medics can respond more swiftly to critical injuries, increasing the chances of survival for the wounded."
Telemedicine on the Battlefield
Today, telemedicine serves as a connecting link between medics in combat zones and rear professionals. Access to satellite communication technologies, such as Starlink, allows for consultations with leading specialists in the rear. In the Medical Forces, it is noted that these technologies maintain communication at all stages of medical evacuation.
Specifically, images and data about the condition of the wounded can be transmitted from the front lines, enabling doctors in the rear to provide precise instructions regarding further actions, treatment recommendations, and even perform complex procedures that might have previously been impossible without the direct presence of a specialist.
Telemedicine systems also include video conferences and specialized applications for consultations.
Vladislav, a medic from the border brigade who has utilized such capabilities, underscores their significance: "Telemedicine allows for consultations with doctors at a distance, which significantly improves decision-making in critical situations. The ability to receive support from highly qualified doctors is extremely important, as every minute counts, and the right treatment choice can save a life."
Photo: Starlink enables consultations with leading specialists in the rear (Getty Images)
Changes in Military Medicine
Since the onset of full-scale war, approaches to military medicine have changed significantly. Evgenia Slivko explains: "TCCC (Tactical Combat Casualty Care) has modified the protocols for providing pre-hospital care. Evacuating with a applied tourniquet can take over two hours, leading to serious complications such as acute irreversible limb ischemia. Changes in the principles of tourniquet conversion were necessary to reduce the risks of limb loss and other complications."
According to her, modern methodologies and simulators are used to prepare medics for the front lines. Special attention is given to the implementation of NATO standards regarding the training of military medics. Additionally, training on tourniquet syndrome is introduced, covering significant aspects of working with the injured.
"The biggest challenge for all of us is the enemy, who often disregards any civilized rules of engagement. Utilizing the latest, often prohibited types of weapons," she emphasizes.
Ukrainian military medicine continues to advance through the integration of modern technologies such as drones, hemostatic agents, and telemedicine. The primary challenge remains the enemy, who employs brutal and prohibited methods of warfare. Despite this, Ukrainian medics demonstrate professionalism and resilience daily, saving the lives of their comrades under the most challenging conditions.