This Atlanta Startup 3D Prints Arms to Better Train First Responders
Cofounders Joseph Ashley (L) and Cole Malenich (R)
In the TSQ ATL Clubhouse in the heart of Tech Square, five 3D printers constantly buzz to create lifelike, plastic arms. Rapid Deployment Medical Training (RDMT), founded by Joseph Ashley and Cole Malenich, helps medical professionals, first responders, and military personnel better prepare for emergencies. With a realistic and effective training tool, the tourniquet task trainer arm, RDMT, aims to become a key player in medical education.
The Birth of an Idea
The origins of RDMT can be traced back to an internship with the U.S. military, where both founders participated in the National Security Innovation Network's (NSIN) X Force Fellowship. During their internship, Joseph and Cole were tasked with developing a solution to improve military medics' training. After consulting medics, trauma responders, and other personnel, they identified a critical need for more effective and affordable training aids —specifically, tools that could help medics practice vital first-aid procedures.
Their solution was simple yet innovative: 3D-printed plastic arms that mimic the anatomy of the human limb, providing a realistic and hands-on training experience. Each 3D-printed arm is designed to simulate real-world medical scenarios, allowing users to practice essential skills in a controlled environment. These arms are particularly effective for training tourniquet application and wound packing — two critical first-aid procedures that can be the difference between life and death.
“Our patent-pending technology is centered around the variability and modularity of our training devices. Switching to different wound profiles and creating different scenarios easily is unique to our products. Our products were developed for and with the US Army, ensuring they are best equipped to train those in the most difficult of situations,” explains Ashley.
Securing Intellectual Property and Launching RDMT
The prototypes were a success, garnering positive feedback from the military, and after a lengthy process, Joseph and Cole secured the intellectual property rights to their invention in March 2024, marking the official start of RDMT.
During this time, the cofounders took advantage of nearby resources and created a home base as new startup founders in Tech Square. They participated in DCode Nexus, a dual-use program that assists startups in navigating sales to both the government and public sectors, similar to Georgia Tech’s Apex Accelerator Program. This program, which they discovered through their NSIN sponsors, gave them insights into the complexities of selling to government agencies and public organizations. Additionally, RDMT was selected to participate in Georgia Tech's Create-X accelerator during the Spring of 2024. This experience further honed their business acumen and helped them refine their product offerings.
“Working in Tech Square has been great for leveraging the connections Cole and I have at Georgia Tech through our professors and the Create-X program. Working at the Clubhouse has been especially helpful. Having a community of other entrepreneurs to discuss ideas and get advice makes startup life much easier to navigate.”
Expanding Impact: Future Plans and Innovations
Since its official launch, RDMT has made significant strides. Their first major customer, Metro Atlanta Ambulance, quickly recognized the value of their 3D-printed arms for training paramedics and EMTs. The company's customer base has since expanded to include training academies, first responder organizations (including fire and police departments), technical colleges, and programs like Stop the Bleed.
In the fall, RDMT will release its next big development, a training device in the form of a leg.
Written by Neema Tavakolian