Effectiveness of Oxygen-Nitrogen Gas Mixtures in Inducing Hypoxia at 1 ATA
Abstract
An understanding of the objective and subjective symptoms of hypoxia is deemed necessary to both aviators and divers to avoid mishaps resulting from a decreased partial pressure of oxygen (PO2). Current DOD hypobaric training profiles place aviator students at risk for decompression sickness (DCS). Despite recent efforts to minimize the potential for DCS, the incidence of hypobaric induced DCS remains undiminished. The purpose of this study was to identify an oxygen-nitrogen has mixture for use as an alternative method of inducing hypoxia in subjects at 1 ATA during naval aviation physiology training. Students could then be indoctrinated to the symptoms of hypoxia without being exposed to the risk of DCS. Twelve subjects, Navy divers from 25 to 48 years of age participated in this study. Six different nitrogen-oxygen gas mixtures were used. Three were selected to include and bracket a PO2 value of 7% which, by calculation, approximately equals the Navy physiology training altitude.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA237813
Entities
People
- Bruce Slobodnik
- James M. Chimiak
- Marie T. Wallick
Organizations
- United States Navy Experimental Diving Unit