Inverness start-up eyes launch of first aid tech

An Inverness firm tested its new first aid technology at the opening weekend of the Six Nations campaign as it prepares for launch this spring.

Mime's kit was put through its paces at Murrayfield Stadium

Mime Technologies, based at the Centre for Health Sciences in Inverness, is aiming to support first aiders with its software, which has been developed to run on mobile devices that link up to “non-invasive” wireless sensors to monitor patients’ vital signs in emergencies.

The British Red Cross trialled the system at BT Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh, where Scotland suffered a 15-9 home loss to England on Saturday.

Mime, which stands for “managing information in medical emergencies”, is a spin-out from the University of Aberdeen, with the technology originally developed through research with specialist clinical input led by Professor Philip Wilson.

Chief executive Dr Alasdair Mort, a digital health specialist, said: “Thanks to the British Red Cross we’ve had a tremendously valuable opportunity to trial Mime in the field.

“Mime has been developed through collaboration with the Scottish Ambulance Service and the Digital Health & Care Institute specifically to address the problems that first aiders face and I’m delighted by the positive response we’ve received from the first aiders using Mime at Saturday’s Scotland v England match.”

Nick Barr, head of event first aid and ambulance operations for the British Red Cross, added: “British Red Cross looks to incorporate new advances in technology wherever this can support our services. We have a wealth of experience in first aid provision and development, and were delighted to work with Mime Technologies to trial this new innovation in the field.”