Application of Electrical Engineering in Ukrainian Military Medicine in the First Decade of the Russian-Ukrainian War (2014–2024). Selected Cases

Historical experience demonstrates that periods of conflict often stimulate significant advancements in various fields of science and technology. The ongoing Russian-Ukrainian War is no exception. Drawing upon open sources, the authors of the article trace the development and implementation of Ukrainian and foreign equipment in military medicine within the Ukrainian Defence Forces during the first decade of this war. The article evaluates and summarizes the initial experience of their battlefield application, analyzes challenges encountered by equipment developers and military personnel in implementing scientific and technical advancements, and proposes ways to address these issues. The primary focus is on developments related to electrical engineering. Specifically, the article highlights the equipment in medical electrical engineering and telemedicine screening, the creation of mobile hospitals equipped with modern electrical devices, and various models of evacuation drones and electric stretchers operating on principles of automation and telemechanics, including robotic systems for medical evacuation. Examples of new organisational forms for conducting research and implementing promising projects related to the scientific synthesis of the medical science experience and practice in wartime are given. This underscores the significant and diverse contributions of Ukrainian scientists, engineers, technicians, entrepreneurs, investors, and military personnel. The authors conclude that the development of electrical engineering for military medicine in Ukraine holds international significance. This is particularly relevant given the increasing number of ‘hot spots’ globally. Electrical engineering for the needs of war is developing dynamically and very rapidly. Ukrainian developments provide a powerful impetus to this process. Based on the experience of the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian War, several areas of electrical engineering in Ukrainian military medicine are poised to make a significant impact on the history of science and technology. This includes remote diagnostics based on telemedicine, robotic systems for evacuating the wounded (evacuation drones), and mobile hospitals equipped with advanced electrical equipment. Ukrainian medical electrical engineering, stimulated by the ongoing war, offers an invaluable impetus to the development of both the theory and practice of civilian medicine.