Egress capability with the British Mark VII Submarine Escape Immersion Suit (SEIS) and the Steinke Hood was evaluated for one-, two-, and three-man teams from side-, tube-, and top-egress escape trunks. Top egress was considerably more rapid than either tube or side egress; tube egress was superior to side egress. Egress time increased linearly as a function of team size for both escape appliances. For tube and side egress, escape with the Steinke Hood was more rapid than with the SEIS; the SEIS was superior for top egress. Escape position of a subject within a team had no effect on egress time. When compared to side and tube egress, top egress results in a substantial reduction of total bottom time.
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SUMMARY PAGE THE PROBLEMAt-sea testing for user acceptance and unanticipated problems in deployment of a computer-based system to aid in medical decision making aboard patrolling nuclear submarines. This testing is preparatory to fleet-wide clinical trials of this system,
FINDINGSThe use of simulated patients provided for realistic use of the medical computer system during at-sea trials. The system had a positive effect on the Corpsman's professional role and on his interactions with his Commanding (CO) and Executive (XO) Officers. Corpsmen, CO's and XO's all found the system acceptable and useful in making medicalevacuation (MEDEVAC) and other patient-care decisions. Other findings, and recommendations, are presented.
APPLICATIONThis study justifies proceeding with a major clinical trial of a computer-based medical decision system throughout the nuclear submarine fleet. This system, if successful in its further testing, will help preserve the strength of the submarine force by decreasing MEDEVACs and improving patient care. ii Abstract This report describes experience in using a computer-based system to aid in medical decision making aboard patrolling nuclear submarines. The system consists of a Tektronix 4051 desktop microcomputer, already aboard submarines, and a computer program designed to assist hospital corpsmen in the diagnosis of patients with acute abdominal pain. This trial was designed to test user acceptance and to find whether unanticipated problems might be encountered during operational use of the system. Participating submarine Corpsmen, Executive Officers (XO), and Commanding Officers (CO) subjectively assessed whether the trials permitted realistic use of the system, whether the system affected the Corpsman l s professional role or his interactions with his XO or CO, and whether the system was useful in making medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) or other patient care decisions while at sea.
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