HMP RS Status Update - July 19, 2006
Another busy day at the Haughton-Mars Project Research Station (HMP RS). As we approach the mid-point in the field season, researchers are making significant strides on a number of fronts for their respective projects.
Traverses were led to the Trinity Lake region and into the Haughton Impact structure to study geology and biochemistry, while the DAME autonomous drilling team continued to refine their operations and attain new milestones. As reported yesterday, the CSA team working in the Arthur Clarke Mars Greenhouse continued with their ambitious schedule and are continuing to report successes. Construction and upgrades to the HMP RS facility are also proceeding very well.
In addition, a telemedicine experiment was conducted. Dr Jean-Marc Comtois of the CSA, assisted by Canadian Forces physician Lt-Col Bruce Bain conducted a simulated patient scenario to test connectivity and fidelity of the telemedicine system. The simulation scenario involved a young researcher who had been in an ATV accident and was complaining of some chest pain and slight shortness of breath and moderately severe abdominal pain. Using a portable ultrasound machine provided by Sono-site Corporation, they performed a FAST (Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma) exam on a real volunteer and these images were transmitted via C-band satellite communication (Anik F1) to a trauma surgeon in Vancouver BC, Dr Ross Brown. The surgeon was able to clearly see the images and, had it been a real situation, these would have proven invaluable in assisting in the management of the patient, including when and if an aeromedical evacuation would have been required. This scenario also demonstrated the utility of having a consultant be able to visualize the patient and potentially be able to direct the practitioner on scene on the performance of certain types of procedures. Having this telemedicine capability greatly enhances the level of care available for real-life emergencies at the HMP site and underscores it's utility for remote medicine in general, be that in the arctic, in space or in other remote sites such as on board ships or submarines.
In the coming days, additional summaries and photos will be provided to outline the many different types of research and other activities that take place at the HMP RS.
