Evaluation of Emergency Evacuation Hyperbaric Stretchers (EEHS)
Abstract
The U.S. Navy has identified a need for portable and collapsible one man hyperbaric chambers, called Emergency Evacuation Hyperbaric Stretchers (EEHS), which could be used as a means of transporting divers or submarine rescuees suffering from Decompression Sickness (DCS) or Arterial Gas Embolism (AGE) to a recompression chamber for treatment. As part of a comprehensive evaluation of two candidate Systems (SOS Hyperlite and GSE Flexible Hyperbaric), NAVSEA 00C tasked NEDU to conduct non-developmental operational evaluations of the two systems, including manned and unmanned operational tests of function and safety. This report contains results of these tests. It is concluded that the SOS Hyperlite was suitable for the mission outlined. The GSE Flexible Hyperbaric, of the size and configuration tested, is not suited to the mission described. The combination of size, weight, and lack of safety features raises significant concern for use as a system that might be moved with an occupant under pressure. The report also contains additional information on the medical considerations for use of the EEHS, recommended improvements and accessories, and a review of available information.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA369830
Entities
People
- G. W. Latson
- M. A. Zinszer
Organizations
- United States Navy Experimental Diving Unit