Dutch military orders blood transfusers

The Dutch military has ordered rapid blood infusers for its troops in Iraq and Afghanistan from Belmont Instrument Corp. of Massachusetts. The order is for 45 of the company's Rapid Infusers but no details on delivery or cost were given for the units, which are used in treatment of massive blood loss. The Belmont Rapid Infuser has been used extensively by the U.S. military in Iraq and Afghanistan where it has been credited with helping to save the lives of hundreds of soldiers and civilians. The Belmont Rapid Infuser combines advanced microprocessor technology with an efficient mechanical system to infuse large amounts of life-sustaining fluids warmed to physiological temperature at flow rates up to 1 liter a minute. The Rapid Infuser is equipped with multiple air, temperature and pressure sensors to ensure maximum patient safety without requiring constant operator vigilance, Belmont said.