3. Special Physiological Problems in Submarines

Cards (28)

  • What are the main problems encountered in submarines related to escape?
    Problems similar to deep-sea diving
  • How deep can a person escape from a submarine without apparatus?
    Up to 300 feet
  • What can theoretically allow escape from deeper depths in submarines?
    Proper use of rebreathing devices
  • What is the maximum depth from which escape is theoretically possible with rebreathing devices?
    600 feet or more
  • What happens to gases in the lungs as a person ascends?
    They expand and can rupture blood vessels
  • What is a major problem during ascent from a submerged submarine?
    Prevention of air embolism
  • What must a person do to prevent air embolism while ascending?
    Exhale continually
  • What does submarine medicine generally focus on, aside from escape?
    Engineering problems to keep hazards out
  • What is a radiation hazard in atomic submarines?
    Radiation exposure from atomic energy
  • How does the radiation exposure in submarines compare to above the surface?
    Less than normal radiation from cosmic rays
  • What can cause carbon monoxide poisoning in submarines?
    Cigarette smoking by the crew
  • What must be done to control poisonous gases in submarines?
    They must be controlled rapidly
  • What gas has been found to cause toxicity in submarines from refrigeration systems?
    Freon gas
  • How do radiation hazards in submarines compare to those experienced above the surface?
    Submarine radiation is less than surface radiation
  • If a crew member ascends from a depth of 400 feet, what should they do to avoid air embolism?
    Exhale continually during ascent
  • What are the key health problems in the submarine internal environment?
    • Radiation hazards in atomic submarines
    • Control of poisonous gases
    • Carbon monoxide from cigarette smoking
    • Toxicity from Freon gas
  • What are the therapeutic effects of hyperbaric oxygen?
    Valuable therapeutic effects in clinical conditions
  • Why are large pressure tanks used in medical centers?
    To treat patients with hyperbaric oxygen
  • At what PO2 values is O2 usually administered in hyperbaric therapy?
    2 to 3 atmospheres pressure
  • How is oxygen administered during hyperbaric therapy?
    Through a mask or intratracheal tube
  • What is the pressure of the gas around the body during hyperbaric therapy?
    Normal air compressed to high-pressure level
  • What is believed to be responsible for the therapeutic benefits of hyperbaric O2?
    Oxidizing free radicals responsible for O2 toxicity
  • What conditions can hyperbaric O2 therapy benefit?
    • Gas gangrene
    • Decompression sickness
    • Arterial gas embolism
    • Carbon monoxide poisoning
    • Osteomyelitis
    • Myocardial infarction
  • How does hyperbaric oxygen therapy affect gas gangrene?
    Stops the infectious process entirely
  • What type of bacteria causes gas gangrene?
    Clostridial organisms
  • Under what conditions do clostridial organisms grow best?
    Under anaerobic conditions
  • At what O2 pressure do clostridial organisms stop growing?
    Greater than about 70 mm Hg
  • How does hyperbaric oxygenation change the fatality of gas gangrene?
    Converts it from nearly 100% fatal to curable