Aviat Space Envir Md
-
Aviat Space Envir Md · Aug 1981
Case ReportsThe transportable recompression rescue chamber as an alternative to delayed treatment in serious diving accidents.
This report summarizes experience in the use of a Transportable Recompression Rescue Chamber (TRRC) for one man in the rapid initiation of treatment and evacuation in severe scuba diving accidents. An evacuation system is described which incorporates the centralized management of all diving accidents and standardized TRRCs capable of interlocking under pressure with the stationary medical chamber. Oxygen breathing capability in the TRRC allows the use of up-to-date U. ⋯ No complications associated with the use of TRRCs have been encountered. Ideally, evacuation should be made in a pressurized two-compartment (for a victim and an attendant) chamber. However, if this is not available we strongly advocate the use of one-man pressurized TRRCs over unpressurized evacuation.
-
Aviat Space Envir Md · Nov 1980
Comparative StudyLong-term follow-up of Skylab bone demineralization.
The os calcis mineral was measured in the nine Skylab crew members and in eight control subjects, 5 years after the Skylab Program, utilizing a photon absorptiometric technique. These measurements were compared with preflight measurements in an attempt to discover any long-term effects of space flight on the skeletal system. A statistically significant loss of bone mineral was found in the crew members who flew, but caution is urged in the interpretation of this difference. A recommendation to continue studies of this type is made.
-
In the 12 month period Oct. 1, 1978 - Sept. 30, 1979, United States airlines carried 318 million passengers as revealed by the Federal Aviation Administration. It is estimated that 1 out of every 1 million passengers may be deplaned by an unscheduled landing due to a life-threatening medical emergency. ⋯ This paper provides information on in-flight emergencies and describes some simple ane effective techniques suitable for in-flight operations. Training flight attendants to deal with in-flight medical emergencies and to use first-aid support equipment and essential and useful drugs may later help with stabilization of a victim and allow continuing the flight to the scheduled destination, obviating the need for a diverted landing with all of the associated potential flight hazards, inconveniences, fuel wastage and increased costs.
-
The performance of inhalation, heating pads, plumbed garment, inhalation + heating pads, inhalation + plumbed garment, and body-to-body heat exchange rewarming were compared to trunk immersion and spontaneous rewarming under laboratory conditions with mildly cooled volunteers. The experiment included 72 rewarmings. Trunk immersion exhibited the smallest afterdrop, shortest recovery period, and most rapid rewarming. ⋯ It is concluded that heating pads and plumbed garment should not be used in treatment of profound hypothermia. It is further concluded that, because of the depression in respiratory minute volume accompanying profound hypothermia, the heating pads and plumbed garment in combination with inhalation therapy should not be used. This leaves inhalation therapy alone as the recommended treatment for profound hypothermia in the field.