A Biomedical review of the U.S. Navy submarine escape system, 1996 / Steven J. Frank ; Michael D. Curley ; Steven J. Ryder.

Format:

Book

Government document

Author/Creator:

Frank, Steven J.

Contributor:

Curley, Michael D.

Ryder, Steven J.

Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory

Series:

Report (Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory) ; no. 1205.

NSMRL report ; no. 1205

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Shipwreck survival--United States--Evaluation.

Shipwreck survival.

Shipwreck victims--Health risk assessment--United States.

Shipwreck victims.

Submarine disasters--Health aspects--United States.

Submarine disasters.

United States.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (iv, 17 pages)

Place of Publication:

[Groton, CT] : Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory, [1997]

Summary:

The current method of escape from United States Navy submarines, the buoyant ascent using the Steinke Hood, was introduced in 1962. Pressurized buoyant ascent training ceased in the United States in the 1970s due to concerns associated with financial costs and health risks. Operating procedures for escaping from U.S. Navy submarines have remained essentially unchanged since World War II. In 1974, Neuman highlighted significant biomedical shortcomings in the escape system: hypothermia, nitrogen narcosis, hypercarbia, barotrauma, and decompression sickness. He attributed these shortcomings to the method of escape and operating procedures. Furthermore, as this review suggests, the current method of submarine escape is no longer practical, because the Steinke Hood provides no thermal protection for the escaper during the escape and while awaiting recovery. Accordingly, citing emerging technology and recent studies, this paper presents biomedical-based recommendations for enhancing survival of escapers by a) overhauling current submarine escape systems and procedures and b) substituting existing thermal protection suits for the Steinke Hood.

Notes:

Title from title screen (viewed September 5, 2012).

"Naval Medical Research and Development Command Research Work Unit 63713N M0099.O1A-5201."

"27 May 1997."

Includes bibliographical references (pages 15-16).

Other Format:

Print version: Biomedical Review of the U.S. Navy Submarine Escape System: 1996

OCLC:

227876874

Access Restriction:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE.