Personal Flotation Devices Research. Phase I.
Abstract
An Accident Recovery Model (ARM) for recreational boating accidents is presented. Its development and application are described. The model is used to estimate the benefits of regulatory programs in four recovery problem areas. Methods and problems in benefit estimation are described and recommendations for further development of ARM are offered. An investigation of the causes of sudden and unexplained drownings is reported, including a review of the biomedical literature and an analysis of boating accident reports. Development of the Life-Saving Index (LSI) is described, and its application to the approval of personal flotation devices (PFDs) is discussed. Past mathematical modeling efforts related to PFD effectiveness are discussed. A pilot experiment is reported and alternative empirical methods for evaluating PFD effectiveness are presented. A large-scale observational study of PFD wear and accessibility, and a study of PFD-related attitudes and preferences are reported. A preliminary index of PFD wearability is formulated. Initial data on PFD quality control and reliability problems are presented. Procedures for evaluating PFD reliability are outlined. Functions which future PFD designs could fulfill and features of inflatable and hybrid devices are reviewed. Tests of two inflatables and three hybrid devices are reported. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1976
- Accession Number
- ADA037221
Entities
People
- C. Stiehl
- M. Pfauth
- R. Macneill
- T. Doll