Hyperbaric evacuation and rescue

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== Hyperbaric Evacuation and Rescue ==

Hyperbaric evacuation and rescue refers to the process of safely removing and rescuing individuals from a hyperbaric environment, such as a submarine, diving bell, or hyperbaric chamber. This process is critical in situations where individuals are exposed to high-pressure environments and require immediate evacuation to prevent decompression sickness or other pressure-related injuries.

Hyperbaric Environment

A hyperbaric environment is one where the atmospheric pressure is significantly higher than the normal sea level pressure. These environments are commonly found in underwater operations, such as commercial diving, submarine missions, and certain medical treatments involving hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Evacuation Procedures

The evacuation procedures in a hyperbaric environment involve several critical steps:

• **Assessment of the Situation**: Determining the nature of the emergency and the condition of the individuals involved.
• **Stabilization**: Ensuring that the individuals are stable and can be safely moved.
• **Transfer to a Safe Environment**: Moving the individuals from the hyperbaric environment to a safe, controlled environment where they can undergo decompression.

Rescue Equipment

Several specialized pieces of equipment are used in hyperbaric evacuation and rescue:

• **Hyperbaric lifeboats**: These are specially designed lifeboats that can maintain a hyperbaric environment during evacuation.
• **Rescue chambers**: Portable chambers that can be used to transport individuals while maintaining the necessary pressure levels.
• **Decompression chambers**: Used to gradually reduce the pressure on individuals to prevent decompression sickness.

Training and Safety

Proper training and adherence to safety protocols are essential in hyperbaric evacuation and rescue operations. Personnel involved in these operations must be trained in:

• **Hyperbaric medicine**
• **First aid and emergency response**
• **Operation of hyperbaric equipment**

Related Pages

• Decompression sickness
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
• Commercial diving
• Submarine
• Diving bell
• Decompression chamber