Five-month-old Rayan-Ali Adris, from Smethwick, who is being treated for aortic stenosis – a condition that narrows the heart’s aortic valve – is the 1,000th patient to take part in the RAPID study.

The pioneering RAPID (Real-Time Adaptive and Predictive Indicator of Deterioration) project, which kicked off in 2014, aims to save the lives of children and young people through a revolutionary wireless monitoring platform.

The sensors continuously collect data from patients on cardiac wards, such as heart rate, breathing rate and oxygen levels, to provide vital early warning signs of deterioration.

The project uses hi-tech wireless sensors which are attached to the chest and ankle to measure vital signs processed in real-time using a platform inspired from the world of Formula 1.

Ground-breaking in its aim, the technology uses smart alarm systems, designed by mathematicians at Aston University, which will activate when the baseline levels of individual patients deteriorate, alerting nurses and doctors and allowing a swift response.

This means that signs normally recorded every one to four hours on paper charts could potentially become a thing of the past with continuous individual monitoring that gives more accurate information helping lead to faster treatment – saving lives and reducing hospital stays. Mum, Neelam Bi, said:

I’m so pleased that Rayan-Ali was able to take part in the study. I think the wireless technology is great, I can pick him up more easily and he is constantly monitored.

Dr Heather Duncan, Intensive Care Consultant and RAPID study lead, said:

Recruiting the 1,000th patient is a really important milestone. We’d like to thank all of our children and families who have helped us since the launch, including Rayan-Ali. Their help is so important to the success of the project.

Work is continuing to progress well as we enter the final phase of this three-year study that’s aiming to revolutionise the way we monitor patients to save lives in the future.