The East Midlands Immediate Care Scheme (EMICS) has recently introduced two cutting-edge developments to our clinical capability: the Polar Life Pod for Ice Cold Water Immersion (ICWI) and a trial of the Epoc NXS Blood Analyser. These innovations give our clinicians new ways to assess, diagnose, and treat patients before they reach hospital.
Polar Life Pod – Rapid cooling for exertional heat illness
When someone becomes dangerously overheated, such as during a marathon or a hot-weather event, their body temperature can rise to a level that becomes life-threatening. This condition, known as exertional heat illness, can cause confusion, collapse, or even organ failure if not treated quickly.
The Polar Life Pod allows EMICS clinicians to cool patients down rapidly and safely using cold water immersion. The system is fully portable and designed for emergency use, allowing treatment to start immediately on scene, long before the patient reaches hospital.
Dr Tim Baker, EMICS Clinical Lead said: “Early, aggressive cooling saves lives. Having the Polar Life Pod available at events and incidents where exertional heat illness is a risk means we can deliver the optimal treatment right at the scene,”
This new equipment ensures EMICS teams are ready to manage heat-related medical emergencies at events such as endurance races, community festivals, and sporting fixtures across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, and Lincolnshire.
Epoc NXS Blood Analyser – Lab-quality results at the roadside
EMICS is currently trialling the Epoc NXS Blood Analyser, a handheld device that brings hospital-style blood testing to the roadside. The analyser can process a drop of blood in seconds, providing immediate information about oxygen levels, electrolytes, and markers of shock or serious injury.
These fast results can help EMICS clinicians make informed decisions about treatment and hospital destination, especially in serious situations such as major trauma or cardiac arrest.
Dr Matt Woods, EMICS Chair of Trustees, said: “The Epoc analyser gives us the ability to make data-driven decisions within minutes. It’s a major step forward in delivering critical care medicine beyond the hospital walls.”
Bringing the hospital to the patient
Both the Polar Life Pod and the Epoc NXS Blood Analyser show EMICS’ ongoing commitment to using innovative technology to provide advanced, evidence-based care outside the hospital.
These tools help our volunteer doctors diagnose and treat patients with the same level of precision found in emergency departments — but right where they are needed most.
Together, they represent another step forward in our mission: to bring the hospital to the patient.
