Praise for life-saving portable ultrasound helping offshore medics
Assalamu alaykum. Norway’s University of Stavanger has received $1 million for creating a practical healthcare solution that supports mental and physical wellbeing. The Human Energy Health and Wellbeing Award was handed over at Adipec 2025 by Dr Sultan Al Jaber.
The project equips medical staff working on remote offshore rigs to perform live ultrasound scans while being guided by specialists onshore. This helps the medic decide quickly whether a sick or injured worker can be treated where they are or needs urgent evacuation, which can save precious time and lives.
As Nina Hjertvikrem, head of quality and health technology at the university, explained, “Using ultrasound offshore is safe and efficient when people are hurt or suddenly ill. It helps us know if someone can be treated on site or must be moved to hospital.” The system pairs portable scanners with digital links so decisions are faster and based on real data even in isolated places.
For example, if a worker offshore complains of chest pain, a nurse can use the scan to distinguish something like indigestion from a serious heart problem. That clarity leads to quicker, safer choices about treatment or evacuation.
The university plans to use the prize money to train nurses and medical teams in ultrasound use, since many nurses don’t yet have imaging training. Teaching staff to use portable ultrasound will make a big difference in rigs and other remote settings.
They also want to expand the programme beyond the energy sector to other industries that operate in remote areas, because the compact technology adapts well to emergency situations.
An independent international jury of experts in energy and health selected the winner from more than 100 entries worldwide. Organisers praised efforts that prepare workers for tough conditions and build support structures for physical and mental health.
May Allah reward those who develop innovations that protect lives and make healthcare accessible in difficult places.
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