The five-minute prebreathe in evaluating carbon dioxide absorption in a closed-circuit rebreather: a randomized single-blind study

摘要

Introduction: Closed-circuit underwater rebreather apparatus (CCR) recycles expired gas through a carbon dioxide (CO2) 'scrubber'. Prior to diving, users perform a five-minute 'prebreathe' during which they self-check for symptoms of hypercapnia that might indicate a failure in the scrubber. There is doubt that this strategy is valid.