A head mounted infrared imager for treating the wounded on the battlefield

The use of a head mounted infrared imaging system for battlefield combat casualty care in total darkness without illuminating the wounded or the medic could greatly increase their survival rate. The head mounted unit will allow the visualization of the wounds in order to institute triage. The visualization of the wounds will allow treatment on the battlefield and allow evacuation of the more severely wounded first. The visualization of the blood vascular system in the skin and subcutaneous tissue will enable the medic to establish an intravenous route for blood, fluid, and drug therapy. The use of the unit will enable the medic to find the unconscious wounded on the battlefield so that treatment can be instituted. The survival rate of the wounded on the battlefield is significantly increased when treatment of the wounded are initiated within the first hour after the wound occurs. This head mounted infrared imaging system will allow for earlier treatment to be initiated in total darkness as well as in environments where smoke occludes visibility. Since the unit can be used without illuminating the wounded or the medic they will not become targets for the enemy which greater increases their safety.