Hi-tech medical care: Crash-proof pram

Technology is changing the face of healthcare delivery, including the way babies are moved about in a hurry.

A British company has built a a baby carrier that uses crash-proof carbon fibre material, similar to the ones used in Formula One race cars.

The Babypod II is rated to survive crashes at 10G, a measure of force that represents an accident at 55 kilometres per hour.

Formula One cars usually do not ‘pull' more than 5G when zipping around a corner. The capsule-shaped Babypod has straps to hold the baby in place, with buckles that unlock within seconds if the infant needs to be removed in an emergency.

The pod's interior is lined with shock-absorbing foam, while a jelly-like blanket moulds into the baby's shape for a snug fit.

The nine-kilogram pod has no metal parts – in fact, it is made from a single carbon-fibre shell – so that the baby can undergo X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging or CT (computed tomography) scans without being taken out.

“It's built to allow medics to carry out life-saving procedures, even if the pod is strapped to a fast moving ambulance, helicopter or stretcher,'' said an official from Advanced Healthcare Technology Ltd., the company behind Babypod II.

Other high-tech medical equipment showcased at the Arab Health 2009 show in Dubai, which runs until today, include a model of a room that makes patients feel like they are anywhere else except a hospital room.

The walls and roof of the Ambient Experience room follow the changing colours and patterns of the sky. “We can even swap that for a patient's family album if they like,'' said Frans van Beers, International Sales Director of Philips Careservant, the service provider. “It keeps the children calm.''

Principle Healthcare is exhibiting “halal-approved lifestyle'' supplements for pregnant women and vegetarians, which exclude alcohol, pork and other food and drink prohibited in Islam.

Catch the show

Arab Health is an annual conference and exhibition of regional and international healthcare service providers, manufactures, dealers and experts.

The 2009 edition drew 2,200 exhibitors from 65 countries and 50,000 medical professionals.

The event is also hosting the Arab Health Congress, a seminar held by leading healthcare professionals.
Arab Health is only open to traders and professionals.