Defence Bioengineering and Electromedical Laboratory (DEBEL)

Defence Bioengineering and Electromedical Laboratory (DEBEL)
Historical Background

Defence Bioengineering and Electromedical Laboratory (DEBEL) was formed in April 1982 by bringing together the Aero Bioengineering Unit (ABEU) located in ADE campus and the Electromedical Instrumentation Division (EMID) of LRDE located at LRDE campus. The laboratory started functioning from its own independent premises located at the ADE campus with effect from 17 June 1994. Today DEBEL is one of the few DRDO laboratories dedicated to both R & D work for the Services and also spin off use to the civilian population.

Defence Bioengineering and Electromedical Laboratory (DEBEL)
Achievements

Flying Clothing,
Protective Equipment for Aircrew.
Automatic Inflatable Life Jacket and Garter leg restraint specially developed for LCA.
FR Overalls,
Integrated Helmet,
Pressure Breathing Oxygen Mask,
Gloves Mk III developed earlier also used by LCA pilots.
These were used in the Technology Demonstration Flights.

Other items developed during the last twenty years in this area include:-
Outer Protective Helmet Mk II,
Pressure Breathing Oxygen Mask Mk I and Mk II,
Anti-G-Suit Mk II (Cutaway type for MiG 21 a/c),
Anti-G-Suit Mk III for Sea Harrier a/c,
Gloves Flying Mk II,
Overalls Flying Mk II,
High Altitude Pressure Suit for Russian a/c,
High Altitude Pressure Socks for Russian a/c,
High Altitude Pressure Gloves for Russian a/c,
Helmet for Parachute Jumping Instructors (PJI),
Overalls PJI,
Gloves PJI,
Boots PJI,
Anti-G-Suit Mk IV for LCA, Jaguar, Mirage and MiG 27.
The automatic inflatable life jacket meets the requirements for Vajra, (also accepted by Navy for Sea Harrier a/c and in production)

NBC Equipment comprising Resuscitator, Integrated Hood Mask and Respiratory Mask in Bulk Production.

(i) Resuscitator is an important medical equipment used for the first aid treatment of Soldiers with respiratory failure in case of chemical warfare agent’s attack.

(ii) Integrated Hood Mask provides protection against chemical and biological warfare agents, and is specially intended for soldiers with facial injuries, cuts, bruises, etc. and soldiers with parka on their head.

(iii) NBC Respiratory Mask offers protection to respiratory tract and face against chemical and biological warfare agents.

HAPO Chamber
One man HAPO chamber designed by DEBEL is a portable first aid device that provides emergency treatment for varying degrees of Acute Mountain Sickness including High Altitude Pulmonary Oedema.

It works on a simple but effective principle of increasing the atmospheric pressure around the patient thereby simulating descent in altitude.

The patient is kept inside the chamber which can be inflated to a maximum pressure of 130 mm Hg there by simulating a descent of about 8000 feet without involving any physical movement.

Recently, a new, high volume, fully automatic HAPO chamber has been designed, developed and high altitude user trials conducted to the satisfaction of user.

The Automatic Power Control (APC) unit is provided with an AC powered compressor which can inflate and maintain the required pressure on AC power supply.

In case AC power is not available, the Chamber can still be automatically operated for more than two hours with the help of a battery and inverter unit. HAPO Chamber can also be used by mountaineers.