Staff Sergeant Chris Burcalow is a Lake Highlands resident and Combat Medic with an interesting story to tell.

As a United States Army Hospital Reservist, Burcalow was assigned to the Evans Army Community Hospital in Fort Carson, Colorado.

While there, he spent some time experimenting with moldable plastics.

The end result? A simulated M-4 carbine rifle designed to aid in the recovery of soldiers who have suffered hand, wrist and arm injuries.

Burcalow recently landed a U.S. patent on his invention, which significantly helps soldiers restrengthen their trigger mobility - and their confidence - after sustaining an injury.

Known as the M-4 Therapeutic Trigger Simulator (TTS), the device is designed like the combat rifle and is used for the rehabilitation of damaged fingers.

Not only does it replicate the trigger device typically found in firearms, it also provides trigger repetition and allows for a gradual build-up of resistance. This slow increase in resistance helps build up the user’s strength.

According to Staff Sgt. Burcalow, “When patients use the simulator in therapy, they gain more confidence in their ability to train on the real thing, once they get back to the range.”

Additionally, the M-4 TTS allows hospital security personnel to breathe a sigh of relief by eliminating the need to keep actual weapons for therapeutic use on the premises.

LH Today caught up with the 25 year-old Lake Highlands resident, and patent holder to learn more about his Therapeutic Trigger Simulator.

LHT: How long have you been an U.S. Army Reservist?
Burcalow: I am in the middle of year nine as an Army Reservist. I became a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant through the military eight years ago. I perform OT as a secondary duty to my primary duty of Combat Medic.

LHT: How often are you called up for duty? Where have you gone?
Burcalow: A reservist is called to active duty based on the needs of the nation. My last tour lasted 3 ½ years, and I was fortunate enough to serve a supporting role in beautiful Colorado.

LHT: What was your inspiration to create such a specific and unique device?
Burcalow: My heart is with my patients, and I created the simulator in my free time for a patient based on his specific need. I like to think outside the box and steer away from traditional views of therapy. I like to be creative and make therapeutic activities for my patients as functional as possible.

LHT: When did you invent the TTS and was the Army receptive to your prototype?
Burcalow: I actually dreamed it up while making a splint. My superiors were very receptive, and they pushed me to pursue a patent and further development of the device. You have to be patient, since obtaining a patent can be a long process. It took nearly two years to complete, and during that time many soldiers under my care have benefited from using the device.

LHT: How many hospitals are using the TTS? Can only Army hospitals incorporate it in their therapy programs?
Burcalow: No one is using the TTS as of yet. I am currently in the process of marketing it. The TTS can be used in many practical applications, in addition to the rehabilitation of police and military personnel.

LHT: What is the success rate of the TTS?
Burcalow: The TTS has been a success with everyone who has used it. It's convenient because it can be used in a clinic setting, as opposed to a trip to the range. The added bonus is the safety factor, because the TTS is not a live fire device. Also, practitioners can work one-on-one with patients on their position and technique in a private, completely controlled environment.

LHT: Along with the moldable plastic, what other materials did you use to create the TTS?
Burcalow: I would rather not divulge the inner workings of my device at this time. I will say that the materials I used were scrap materials left over from making custom orthotics.

LHT: What other devices have you invented and are you working on anything currently?
Burcalow:I have developed many custom splints for specific injuries, but I haven't pursued any licensing on them. I am always trying to invent devices that can aid in the return of function for anyone under my care. I believe there are always alternative ways to do something. I aim for the most functional approach, with the least amount of materials necessary to do the job.