James Fisher Defence (JFD Global), a global provider of specialist marine and defense solutions enabling mission success at sea, has commenced a project to deliver to the Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA) – a new medical monitoring capability for integration into the NATO Submarine Rescue System (NSRS).
The innovation marks a major upgrade to the NSRS’s existing capability, expanding capacity from monitoring four submariners to up to 76, including medical personnel, during rescue operations. Continuous, real-time monitoring begins the moment submariners enter the Deck Decompression Chamber (DDC) on the rescue vessel, with data instantly accessible to onboard medics and shore-based medical teams. This enables faster response times, more accurate triage and improved treatment outcomes in highly demanding clinical scenarios.
The system uses a three-tier approach: wearable devices to track key indicators such as heart rate, stress, fatigue and core temperature; diagnostic tools including ECG monitors and ultrasound; and advanced critical care equipment for unstable or deteriorating casualties. Data hubs, connected to more than 100 certified medical components, ensure automated, accurate monitoring and can link via satellite for remote medical support.
The modular platform can be integrated across submarine escape and rescue systems and adapted for other defense and commercial diving operations. Complementary defense applications include submarine platforms, distressed submarine (DISSUB) entry kits, dive recompression chambers, and surface vessels.
