Pioneering medical equipment being developed by a small Brighton firm is set to revolutionise treatment for war casualties and accident victims trapped in confined areas.

The emergency pneumatic ventilator, called the V6, is a complete, compact, lightweight system which can easily be carried by a soldier or a paramedic to deliver life-support independently in the field for six hours or more.

It was invented by Dr John Dingley, a consultant anaesthetist based in the cardiology unit at the Morriston Hospital, Swansea.

To help bring his ideas to life, he worked with Brighton-based EME (Electro Medical Equipment) to develop a working prototype. The V6 recently featured on BBC One's Tomorrow's World programme.

EME managing director Steve Foster said: "The V6 emergency ventilator could not only take lifesupport to injured civilians and soldiers on the battlefield but could also be a great asset world-wide when natural disasters occur."

V6 effectively recycles the oxygen that drives the ventilator from a small highly-pressurised gas bottle which also supplies oxygen to the patient.

Both the ventilator and the gas bottle are incorporated into one small bag and weigh about seven kilograms.

Mr Foster said: "Ultimately, this could eliminate the usual use of large and heavy gas bottles in rescue situations. It is very simple to use and its primary function is to sustain life until the patient can receive more specialist treatment.

"As a relatively small but innovative firm, we are delighted to have teamed up with Dr Dingley to develop such a vital piece of emergency care equipment.

"We are recognised for our innovative approach in the neo-natal area and we are naturally delighted we are receiving recognition for our first research and development project in this area."

This is the second time in 18 months EME has had a product featured on the BBC's flagship science programme.

Its infant flow advance system, non-invasive breathing device for premature babies, was featured during filming of clinical trials at St Marys Hospital in Paddington, London, and was one of three finalists in the Tomorrow's World 2001 Awards programme.