Portable oxygen tech could help save lives on the battlefield

A new lightweight portable oxygen delivery system could improve casualty survival rates for frontline UK soldiers and civilians, according to the UK’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL), which developed the technology alongside Defence Medical Services.

The 5kg system aims to overcome limitations associated with traditional pressurised oxygen cylinders. Although many cylinders weigh about the same as the new system, medics often need to carry several cylinders to ensure a sufficient supply – especially in remote or prolonged operations – which can quickly add up to a much heavier and more cumbersome load. 

They also carry additional risks, such as fire or explosion hazards due to oxygen’s flammability, which is a serious concern in battlefield environments.

Refilling oxygen cylinders comes with its own set of logistical and safety challenges. Cylinders must be topped up using specialist equipment, often in controlled environments. If done improperly, oxygen leaks can occur, increasing the risk of combustion and endangering both the patient and the medic.

The new system sidesteps these challenges by generating oxygen on demand. It works by drawing in atmospheric air and filtering out nitrogen through a series of internal chambers, delivering an oxygen-rich gas directly to the patient. The technology is based on the same principle as industrial air separation units, but scaled-down for field use.

Major Andrew Maggs, DSTL Military Advisor, called the technology a “game-changing advance in battlefield medicine.”

“By reducing logistical burden and improving safety, the system will provide critical care in situations where every second counts,” he said.

The technology underwent testing at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory. ©DSTL

Developed using a combination of off-the-shelf components, the unit also includes a rebreather element that captures exhaled air, removes carbon dioxide, and recycles the remaining oxygen.

While the DSTL has not confirmed when the system will see full deployment, it has allocated 15 prototype concentrators for operational testing. Dr Paul Hollinshead, DSTL Chief Executive, said the system could help reduce strain on military supply chains while enhancing frontline medical care.

“The ability to also reuse the system with external power or replaceable batteries means it offers real flexibility,” he said.

The current prototype costs around £15,000 ($20,300) per unit, though the team aims to develop a more affordable and scalable version for wider use.

Similar technologies are being explored by other military organisations. In 2023, the US Army Medical Materiel Agency announced that it would begin fielding 5kg portable oxygen generators in kits used for air and ground ambulance operations.

“Instead of lugging around 10 cylinders, which weigh nine pounds each, a medic will now bring this one 12-pound/[5.4kg] device, which runs on a rechargeable battery and can produce three litres of 93% oxygen per minute,” said Major Norland James of the USAMMA Healthcare Technologies programme.