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Essex & Herts Air Ambulance (EHAAT) is introducing pupillometers at accident scenes to improve the assessment of head-injured patients. Starting 27 March, EHAAT’s critical care teams will use this technology to enhance decision-making for patients with severe head injuries.
As part of efforts to refine emergency care, EHAAT is implementing the NPi-300 Pupillometer from Prospect Diagnostics. Critical care doctors and paramedics routinely check pupil size and reactivity to assess injury severity.
This device provides precise, objective measurements, removing variability from these assessments. More accurate data helps teams initiate appropriate treatments at the scene and during transport to the hospital.
”We have a major focus on improving care for patients with head injury. The use of pupillometry is an important step in our ambitious strategy to deliver even better care to our patients at the scene of their accident and on their journey to hospital. We’re excited about this innovation, and about the potential for further developments in the coming months and years. Thank you to everyone who supports us in being able to continually improve our patient experience.”
Dr Gareth Grier, Associate Medical Director, EHAAT.
Head injuries are common in EHAAT’s missions, and early intervention plays a key role in patient outcomes. Traditionally, pupil assessments have relied on pen torches and subjective judgment. The pupillometer offers accurate, quantifiable data, supporting clinicians in making treatment decisions on site. Integrating this technology into pre-hospital care aims to contribute to broader improvements in head injury treatment.
The device will be used from the initial assessment through to hospital arrival, helping clinicians detect subtle neurological changes that influence treatment plans and hospital selection.
While pupillometers are commonly used in hospital intensive care units, their introduction into pre-hospital care supports an evidence-based approach to early decision-making and strengthens coordination between emergency responders and hospital teams.
“This device removes the subjectivity from pupillary assessments. It provides reliable, numerical data, taking the guesswork out of the process, which is beneficial for our teams who often work in extraordinary conditions with extremely ill or injured patients. It is a straightforward piece of equipment to use, but the benefits it provides in helping assess and monitor the patient’s condition could be significant.”
Laurie Phillipson, Centre for Excellence Clinical Academic Fellow.
Funding for six NPi-300 Pupillometers has been provided through charitable contributions, enabling investment in new equipment for emergency care.
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