Aerospace medicine and human performance
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Howard CT, Vu P. You're the flight surgeon: hand, foot, and mouth disease. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2015; 86(5):497-500.
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Aerosp Med Hum Perform · Apr 2015
Randomized Controlled TrialA novel rescue-tube device for in-water resuscitation.
In-water resuscitation (IWR) is recommended in the 2010 guidelines of the European Resuscitation Council. As IWR represents a physical challenge to the rescuer, a novel Rescue Tube device with an integrated "Oxylator" resuscitator might facilitate IWR. The aim of the present study was the assessment of IWR using the novel Rescue Tube device. ⋯ The device might facilitate IWR by providing effective ventilation with minimal aspiration and by reducing physical effort. Another advantage is the possibility of delivering 100% oxygen.
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Aerosp Med Hum Perform · Apr 2015
Randomized Controlled TrialOxygen requirement to reverse altitude-induced hypoxemia with continuous flow and pulsed dose oxygen.
Hypoxemia secondary to reduced barometric pressure is a complication of ascent to altitude. We designed a study to compare the reversal of hypobaric hypoxemia at 14,000 ft with continuous flow oxygen from a cylinder and pulsed dose oxygen from a portable concentrator. ⋯ Portable oxygen concentrators using pulsed dose technology corrected hypoxemia in every subject. Oxygen concentrators may be an alternative to liquid oxygen or cylinders for use during aeromedical evacuation.
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Aerosp Med Hum Perform · Apr 2015
Case ReportsTolerance of centrifuge-simulated suborbital spaceflight in subjects with implanted insulin pumps.
With commercial spaceflight comes the possibility of spaceflight participants (SFPs) with significant medical conditions. Those with previously untested medical conditions, such as diabetes mellitus (DM) and the use of indwelling medical devices, represent a unique challenge. It is unclear how SFPs with such devices will react to the stresses of spaceflight. This case report describes two subjects with Type I DM using insulin pumps who underwent simulated dynamic phases of spaceflight via centrifuge G force exposure. ⋯ Potential risks to SFPs with insulin pump dependent DM include hypo/hyperglycemia, pump damage, neurovestibular dysfunction, skin breakdown, and abnormal stress responses. A search of prior literature did not reveal any previous studies of individuals with DM on insulin pumps exposed to prolonged accelerations. These cases suggest that individuals with conditions dependent on continuous medication delivery might tolerate the accelerations anticipated for commercial spaceflight.