As 2009 and “the double ohs” decade closed, many reflected on our world’s progress in the last year. While browsing my Popular Science Magazine listserv around NYE*, I was blown away by 2009’s incredible offerings of science, technology and more. So, for Red Cross blog readers near and far, I now give you my prepare-aphernalia wish list for the Portland Red Cross!

Disasters
–Israeli scientists have created a cell phone tower system that hones flood predictability down to an hour prior to its impact.
– Survivor Buddy, a Texas A & M University invention, seeks out and communicates between survivors and search and rescue workers!
– Bristol Uniforms, a UK company, has created a fireproof uniform that is 30 percent lighter than its US counterparts, allowing for breathability, comfort and fire protection.

First Aid and Cardiac Emergencies
– SAM Medical’s Celox Trauma Gauze will seal gashes and cool burns simultaneously by absorbing 16 times its weight in blood and, once applied to water, evaporates into a gel that cools wounds for up to 20 hours. (This may be the best “just-add-water” invention since Instant Snow…a nice holiday gift for those in tropical environs.)
– 3M/Littman has created the Electronic Stethescope in combination with Zargis Cadioscan. By amplifying heart beats and recognizing abnormalities in heart murmurs, this stethoscope literally never misses a beat! Once it detects the lubs and dubs of your heart, the device transmits the information to the doctor by Bluetooth and a near real-time graph on PC screens!

Flu Pandemics
-For those aware of the germs among us, Purleve‘s Hygienic Door Knob has a self-cleaning design that brings you comfort in bacteria-laden places such as public restrooms.
–Filligent Limited has created the BioMask, an unprecedented flu-killing device. While normal masks can allow up to 50,000 flu bugs to live, the BioMask’s technology eliminates 99.9 percent of cooties within a minute of contact! Not sold yet? Well, for penny-pinchers, the mask’s virus elimination makes it a reusable resource!

Well, that’s my list. If only we had unlimited funds to purchase these magnificent inventions! Red Cross services can always be improved through generous donations however -a gift that is much appreciated. Happy holidays and best of luck in the new decade!

Information courtesy of popsci.com; graphic courtesy of wired.com

*Since when did this New Year’s Eve abbreviation pop up? NYE will always mean Bill Nye to me.