Operation Everest II. Altitude Decompression Sickness during Repeated Altitude Exposure,

Abstract

The incidence of altitude decompression sickness (ADS) was studied in 23 altitude scientists during repeated altitude exposure to 15-20,000 feet in a decompression chamber. Prior to each altitude exposure, a 30-60 minute prebreathing period with 100% oxygen took place. Ascent was made to an altitude at a rate of 2000 feet per minute. The altitudes studied ranged from 15-29,000 feet. Symptoms reported appear consistent with previous reports with regard to security of symptoms. Incidence of ADS at 26-29,000 feet was 29.7% during 274 change flights and 1264.4 hrs of altitude time. Incidence appeared related to age or body index (weight/height2). This high incidence of ADS reported in this study is similar to that reported by NASA. Keywords: Bends; Altitude; and Hypobaric chamber.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 1986
Accession Number
ADA168595

Entities

People

  • Allen Cymerman
  • James A. Devine
  • John R. Sutton
  • Mark K. Malconian
  • Paul B. Rock

Organizations

  • United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Altitude
  • Chambers
  • Decompression
  • Decompression Chambers
  • Decompression Sickness
  • Hypobaric Chambers
  • Hypobaric Conditions
  • Instructors
  • Military Research
  • North America
  • Physical Activity
  • Physicians
  • Scientists
  • Sea Level
  • Security
  • Students

Readers

  • Mathematics or Statistics
  • Underwater engineering and Marine Technology.