The B.A.P. PACOCHA (SS-48) Collision: The Escape and Medical Recompression Treatment of Survivors

Abstract

At the invitation of the Peruvian Navy, a U.S. Navy team reviewed the circumstances surrounding the collision, sinking, and subsequent escape and rescue of members of the crew of the B.A.P PACHOCHA. Approximately half were rescued after immediate escape before the sinking with a 2-4 hour cold-water exposure. and the other half were trapped for over 20 hours in the forward torpedo room. They escaped by buoyant ascent, after having been subjected to pressure from partial flooding and air being introduced from the air banks. Escapees suffered decompression sickness and gas emboli after surfacing. The medical response, rescue, evacuation, and recompression treatment of survivors using all available equipment and personnel is reviewed. Some observations are presented that might diminish morbidity and mortality in the future.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 30, 1989
Accession Number
ADB132723

Entities

People

  • Claude Harvey
  • John Carson

Organizations

  • Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Biomedical Research
  • Cold Water
  • Compressors
  • Decompression Sickness
  • Embolism And Thrombosis
  • Fire Extinguishers
  • Floods
  • Gases
  • Health Services
  • High Pressure
  • Hyperbaric Chambers
  • Medical Personnel
  • Naval Operations
  • Naval Personnel
  • Navy
  • Pain
  • Pressurization

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Materials Science
  • Trauma or Military Medicine