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Lab: Naval Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory
Category: Human Systems
51 Hovey Road
Pensacola, FL, 32508-1046
Phone: 850-452-8460 ext.
Fax: 850-452-9290 |
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Background:
Until recently, exposure of the aviator to hypoxic conditions was not possible without the dangers of hypobaric conditions. The reduced oxygen-breathing device (ROBD) has revolutionized the way aerospace medicine clinicians and researchers may evaluate aviators under hypoxic conditions while performing simulated flight activities. The ROBD works by delivering a varied percentage of oxygen and nitrogen under normobaric conditions to the trainee through a standard Navy oxygen mask. The advantages of the ROBD are numerous. Because the ROBD remains at sea level atmospheric pressure there is no risk of altitude DCS or barotraumas. Weighing approximately 40 lbs and measuring 20’’x 32’’x 12’’ inches, the ROBD is extremely portable compared to a hypobaric chamber. Additionally, the manning and maintenance requirements are much lower for the ROBD, involving a maximum of two instructors to operate compared to as many as nine for the hypobaric chamber.
Objectives:
Most recently the Naval Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory celebrated the completion of the new Hypoxia Research Center. The Center utilizes the ROBD to replicate environmental conditions similar to those experienced by military personnel climbing a mountain or encountered in an unpressurized aircraft (i.e., lower oxygen concentrations in the air or hypoxia). Researchers will test the cognitive function abilities and simulated flight performance of aviators exposed to hypoxic conditions with hopes of elucidating mechanisms to reduce the effects of hypoxia and enhance the combat performance of aviators and Special Forces personnel.
Benefits:
Data from our current studies at NAMRL suggest that not only does the ROBD reproduce the symptoms and signs of hypoxia, but is actually more accurate in delivering simulated partial pressures of oxygen and nitrogen at altitude compared to the hypobaric chamber. Future studies at NAMRL involving the ROBD will entail measuring cognitive performance decrements due to mild hypoxia and the possible synergistic effects of pharmaceuticals may have when taken during mild hypoxic exposures. Operationally, the marriage of the ROBD with simulators will provide more realistic in-flight hypoxia training. NAMRL is currently collaborating with the Naval Aviation Survival Training Program Directorate to provide a curriculum utilizing the ROBD for hypoxia refresher training. Training utilizing the ROBD will be platform specific, and may not apply to all aviation personnel who need to undergo refresher courses.
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