Mountain Rescue Upper Austria

Mountain rescuers face numerous challenges in their work. Difficult terrain, hard-to-reach accident sites, and extreme weather conditions are just a few of the obstacles. On duty around the clock, they often have to deal with particularly demanding physical reactions of accident victims, such as hypothermia or overheating, and make quick decisions. At the same time, teams can only carry as much equipment as they can physically transport to the accident site. Weight, size, and functionality of each device are therefore of enormous importance. The ultra-light patient monitor from cosinuss° has proven to be a true “game changer” and has been used by the Mountain Rescue Upper Austria teams since early 2024.

The ultra-light and mobile patient monitoring system from cosinuss° works with an in-ear sensor, the c-med° alpha, and a mobile application, the °Health App.

The c-med° alpha is a 4.5 cm small and 6.5 g light multiparameter sensor that rescuers can carry in their pockets and use in combination with their smartphones. The in-ear sensor not only measures oxygen saturation, heart rate, and body temperature but also provides important additional information such as the perfusion index and quality index. Thanks to the continuously visible pulse wave signal, rescuers can perform precise monitoring and easily detect signal disturbances. Data is transmitted from the sensor to the app via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), so no internet connection is required for monitoring — a critical factor in remote areas.

The ability to continuously monitor body temperature, oxygen saturation, and heart rate has quickly made the technology popular in Austria. Dr. Tobias Huber, State Physician and Deputy Federal Physician of the Austrian Mountain Rescue Service, emphasizes that continuous body temperature monitoring is particularly crucial in alpine environments. While temperature measurement may be less critical in urban emergencies, it can be life-saving in the mountains. The c-med° alpha enables precise temperature measurement in the ear canal, which had previously been a challenge for mountain rescuers.

“The c-med° alpha is a true game changer in mountain rescue,” says Dr. Huber. “It’s lightweight, wireless, and has a long battery life. These features are incredibly advantageous in alpine operations.”

Figures 1 and 2: Each rescuer is equipped with two sensors in different sizes, which can be carried in their thin storage box in a pocket.

Choosing the outer ear canal for optical measurements offers interesting advantages over conventional measurement sites. Oxygen saturation measured in the ear canal may provide valuable additional information due to its proximity to the brain compared to fingertip measurements. Additionally, the head is always well-perfused, meaning measurements are less likely to fail due to poor circulation. The continuous body temperature measurement near the body’s temperature regulation center is another significant advantage.

Figure 3: The c-med° alpha positioned in the ear of an injured person (staged scene). This allows continuous health monitoring from the accident site through transport to the hospital.

The dark environment in the ear canal is also beneficial: disruptive light interference that could affect the PPG sensor is minimized.

The introduction of the c-med° alpha went smoothly, with surprisingly high acceptance among rescuers from the start. Dr. Huber reports numerous missions where the monitor provided crucial information, especially during pain management and vital sign monitoring. The ability to monitor patients from a greater distance during transport has significantly improved rescue team efficiency.

Dr. Huber sees great potential in further developing cosinuss° technology. Features such as simultaneous monitoring of multiple patients and telemedical capabilities could further optimize rescue work. “I am truly very satisfied with this innovation and look forward to future developments,” he says.

The integration of the c-med° alpha into mountain rescue represents a significant advancement in the care of accident victims. With its help, rescuers can not only increase patient safety but also streamline their workflows. The combination of medical expertise and innovative technology is key to successful and safe mountain rescue operations.

Figure 4: The transport box with the two sensors fits easily into the rescue backpack.

The Mountain Rescue Upper Austria operates rescue missions in alpine terrain around the clock, every day of the year. With 23 local stations and more than 861 volunteers, they ensure rapid assistance on-site. The Mountain Rescue Upper Austria is part of the Austrian Mountain Rescue Service (ÖBRD). This officially recognized organization is dedicated to providing aid in hard-to-reach, especially mountainous regions. Through national and international operations, the ÖBRD aims to prevent human suffering and protect health and life. As an independent, non-profit organization, the ÖBRD offers voluntary support without profit motives.

More: www.bergrettung-ooe.at

Photo credits: Gerrit Schweiger / cosinuss°