The US Army Medical Evaluation Test Activity (USAMTEAC) recently ran an operational test on three portable ultrasound devices. The objective of this test was to evaluate the operation of these devices in simulated operational environments. It was conducted for the US Army Medical Materiel Development Activity (USAMMDA) and the Warfighter Expeditionary Medicine and Treatment (WEMT) Project Management Office. Having been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, the portable ultrasound devices are compact and lightweight. Their purpose is to rectify a deficiency in the capabilities of tactical combat medical care, austere tactical care, and special forces tactical medical equipment sets. Maj. Maya Lowell, an Army 65D Physician Assistant with USAMTEAC, underscored the significance of assessing the devices in a variety of environmental conditions, as they are targeted for use at Role 1/battalion aid stations and Role 2 facilities.
USAMTEAC, based at Joint Base San Antonio, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, is a small unit of approximately two dozen military and civilian personnel. They play a crucial role in supporting the US Army's acquisition process, ensuring medical personnel are equipped with effective and suitable equipment. The test team will produce a detailed report for USAMMDA/WEMT PMO, which will assist in selecting a vendor for contract award and Army-wide fielding. The goal is to have portable ultrasound devices available in the field by fiscal year 2026. This initiative highlights USAMTEAC's commitment to enhancing medical care for Army personnel through rigorous evaluation and testing of new medical technologies.
