An impact absorbing composite structure, the impact absorbing composite structure including a plurality of impact absorbing members and a flexible layer, each impact absorbing member integral with the flexible layer. The MEMS switch may be actuated with no internal power consumption. A blood or other patient sample is applied to the test element, which is introduced to the analyzer. The conductive ink electrodes are configured to receive the EMG signals from the laryngeal muscles when the endotracheal tube is placed in a trachea of the patient.