Citation

Windsor JS, Hamilton E, Grocott MP, O'Dwyer MJ, Milledge JS. Wilderness Environ. Med. 2009; 20(1): 61-65.

Affiliation

Centre for Altitude, Space and Extreme Environment Medicine, Institute of Human Health and Performance, Highgate Hill, London, UK. jwindsor@doctors.org.uk

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1580/08-WEME-BR-183.1

PMID

19364164

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate that the Snow Snorkel can be used safely by healthy volunteers buried in snow for up to 1 hour. METHODS: Nine healthy male volunteers were placed in a shoulder-width trench and buried with snow to a depth of 30 to 40 cm. The study was divided into 2 stages. The first stage (Stage 1) was performed with the Snow Snorkel in operation (60-minute duration) and was then followed by a second stage (Stage 2) (15-minute duration) when the device was removed. Arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), axillary temperature (T), and 3-lead electrocardiography (ECG) were monitored throughout the study. RESULTS: Of the 9 volunteers who were enrolled, 7 were able to complete Stage 1, while only 3 were able to complete Stage 2. In those who completed Stage 1, the mean HR fell by 14.1 beats/min (P = .002), while RR (P = .5) and SaO2 (P = .7) remained unchanged compared to baseline measurements. There were no changes in T or ECG. CONCLUSIONS: Simple systems such as the Snow Snorkel are effective during snow burial and warrant further investigation.

Language: en