This inventor’s next big idea? Goggles that would check vital signs

Inventor John Steinbaugh answers the question: If you could invent something new, what would it be?

This week the PBS NewsHour is launching a new series of reports on inventions and innovations called “Breakthroughs.” Over the coming months, we will showcase the economic and social changes that invention can generate both here and abroad. And we’ll highlight the passion of the inventors, the pathways they’ve taken and the changed lives of those who have benefitted from their creations.

Our first report highlights a new medical device called the Xstat that was developed to stop uncontrolled bleeding on the battlefield — the leading cause of preventable deaths for soldiers. And it may one day soon be available to civilian first responders like EMT’s and the police.

Over the course of the series, we plan to ask all our inventors the same two questions: If you could invent something new, what would it be? And who would it help?

Today’s answer comes from inventor John Steinbaugh.

We’ll post their answers below, and welcome your thoughts and feedback. Who knows? Maybe the next big idea is right here.