Smiths Detection to provide mobile medical shelters to US Army

Smiths Detection has been awarded a contract by the US Department of the Army for the supply of chemical biological protective shelters (CBPS).

Under the $42m follow-on production order, Smiths Detection will equip the National Guard with the mobile medical shelters.
Designed to military specifications, the CBPS systems are mobile medical shelters and are highly resistant to chemical and biological threats.

Maryland governor Martin O’Malley said that the dual-use equipment will enhance the ability of the National Guard to protect troops abroad as well as communities at home and the initiative marks a step ahead for Maryland’s economy.

"Advanced manufacturing is a key part of growing our economy, which is why this win by Edgewood-based Smiths Detection and its suppliers across Maryland is so important," O’Malley added.

The system provides a chemical/biological agent free environment to administer healthcare for the patients without the need for protective clothing.

Smiths Detection US sales vice president Bob Bohn said that the CBPS has been designed to provide a highly mobile, protected environment for medical care when the threat of chemical and biological agents are present.

"It can also serve a critical function in non-combat situations, such as a natural disaster or terrorist attack response, where mobile medical services are vital," Bohn added.

CBPS systems will be developed at the company’s US headquarters in Edgewood, Maryland.

Smiths Group government relations vice president Kevin Schmidt said, "When our nation’s governors deploy the National Guard to natural disasters and other emergencies, these specialist shelters provide rapid and secure on-scene medical care."

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Image: An Illustration of chemical biological protective shelter model 8E1. Photo: courtesy of Smiths Detection.