Charles Wesley Shilling

Charles Wesley Shilling (1901–1994) was a renowned United States Navy officer and undersea and hyperbaric medicine specialist. He is best known for his significant contributions to the field of diving medicine, which have greatly improved safety and operational efficiency in underwater exploration and activities.

Early Life and Education

Charles Wesley Shilling was born in 1901 in Pennsylvania. He attended the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned his B.A. degree in 1922 and his M.D. degree in 1926.

Career

After completing his medical degree, Shilling joined the United States Navy as a medical officer. He was assigned to the Navy Experimental Diving Unit (NEDU), where he conducted pioneering research in diving medicine. His work at NEDU led to significant advancements in understanding the effects of pressure on the human body, the prevention and treatment of decompression sickness, and the development of safe diving procedures.

In 1939, Shilling conducted a landmark experiment demonstrating that oxygen toxicity in divers could be prevented by adding helium to the breathing mix. This discovery led to the development of heliox, a gas mixture that is now widely used in deep-sea diving and hyperbaric medicine.

Shilling also played a key role in the development of the U.S. Navy Diving Manual, which serves as a comprehensive guide for naval diving operations and includes detailed information on diving safety, procedures, and emergency treatment.

Later Life and Legacy

After retiring from the Navy, Shilling continued to contribute to the field of undersea and hyperbaric medicine through his writings and lectures. He passed away in 1994, leaving behind a legacy of significant contributions to diving medicine and safety.

Shilling's work has had a lasting impact on the field of undersea and hyperbaric medicine. His research has saved countless lives and has greatly improved the safety and efficiency of underwater operations. In recognition of his contributions, the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) established the Charles W. Shilling Award, which is presented annually to an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the field of undersea and hyperbaric medicine.

See Also

• Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society
• Navy Experimental Diving Unit
• Diving medicine
• Heliox