Malleable Textile Immobilizes Accident Victims

A smart textile material that turns rigid when vacuum is applied will be used as an emergency immobilizer for accident casualties.

Developed by Tecnalia Research & Innovation (Derio, Biscay, Spain), the Varstiff material can be adapted to any part of the body and in any situation. The material in its soft, malleable state is spread inside a sealed enclosure and can be applied to the body as needed; afterwards, when vacuum is applied to it, it becomes as stiff as plaster of Paris. This makes it possible in the event of an accident to immediately immobilize parts of the victim’s body that are difficult to access without moving, such as the neck, back, or thorax. The material reverts to its flexible state once the vacuum is released.


The material also offers solutions in other spheres of healthcare, such as orthopedics, where it has advantages over ordinary solutions that use elastic straps, Velcro strips, or inflatable air cushioning balloons.

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Tecnalia Research & Innovation