Physiological Implications as to Survival During Immersion in Water at 75 degree F
Abstract
It has been determined in previously reported experiments that immersion at water temperatures of 75 degree F (23.8 degree C) may be limited by failure of the body's physiological compensatory mechanisms. This investigation was designed to study the physiological responses of subjects immersed to neck level in 75 degree F water for periods up to 12 hours. Measurements relating to the body loss of heat, energy, fluids, and electrolytes were obtained. It was found that a 12 hour period of immersion could not be tolerated by all of the subjects for various reasons: (1) loss of body heat with a reduction in deep body temperature to below the predetermined limiting temperature of 95 degree F; (2) extreme discomfort with muscle cramps following prolonged shivering; and (3) decrease in blood glucose to levels below the predetermined limiting value of 60 mg per cent. The changes in blood morphology, blood electrolytes, oxygen utilization and urinary excretion during the period of immersion, in addition to the physiological changes which caused the termination of some experiments are directly related to tolerance of immersion. It was also found that some subjects experienced a significant adrenocortical stress response with subsequent adrenocortical insufficiency. These factors are of importance in survival from the involuntary immersion associated with disasters at sea.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0646826
Entities
People
- Edward. L. Beckman
- Elizabeth Reeves
Organizations
- Naval Medical Research Center