Aviat Space Envir Md
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Our study probed the relationship between field dependence and the development of nausea in light and dark during whole-body, off vertical axis rotation (OVAR). ⋯ The results suggest that susceptibility, as evaluated by questionnaires probing motion sickness experiences in daily life, is influenced by visual factors. Assessments of sensitivity to reference frames for orientation, either visual or ego-centered, show promise for markers of motion sickness susceptibility according to the visual surround rather than to absolute levels of susceptibility to motion sickness.
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Aviat Space Envir Md · Aug 2011
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation during spaceflight: examining the role of timing devices.
The majority of International Space Station (ISS) astronauts represent nonmedical professions. In order to serve as Crew Medical Officers (CMO), future crewmembers receive 40-70 h of medical training within 18 mo before missions, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) per the Guidelines of the American Heart Association. CPR compliance with the Guidelines is known to vary even among trained clinicians, let alone minimally trained caregivers (e.g., bystanders, nonphysician astronauts). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of timing devices, including audible metronomic tones, on CPR performed by nonmedical personnel, specifically 40 astronaut analogues trained in a fashion and within a timeframe similar to an ISS astronaut. ⋯ CPR timing devices that coordinate both breaths and compressions improve compliance of astronaut analogue rescuers with CPR guidelines, and may improve overall CPR performance and outcome.
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Aviat Space Envir Md · May 2011
Historical ArticleFifty years of decompression sickness research at Brooks AFB, TX: 1960-2010.
INTRODUCTION, FACILITIES, AND Decompression sickness (DCS) occurring in hypobaric environments related to aviation or spaceflight was a major focus of research at Brooks AFB/City-Base, TX, throughout the period 1960-2010. Multiple hypobaric chambers and extensive support facilities were built for research on altitude DCS using both human subjects and animal models. Areas of study included symptomatology, incidence, prediction, and prevention of DCS. ⋯ FACTORS AFFECTING DCS INCIDENCE: The results from these efforts were recorded in an extensive Altitude DCS Research Database which served as a resource for developing reports and exploring relationships of various parameters such as altitude, time at altitude, prebreathe time, and mode of activity while decompressed. PREVENTION AND PREDICTION OF DCS: Individual susceptibility to DCS was also evaluated in an effort to tailor preventive measures and predict susceptibility. Completion of the 26 human-use protocols provided information which was incorporated into NASA and USAF operational practices to reduce DCS risk.