Statistically Based Decompression Tables IV: Extension to Air and N2-02 Saturation Decompression

摘要

Recent analyses have examined empirical, but statistically justifiable, models for standard air diving and used the results to develop air decompression schedule that are equal in risk. This analysis has been extended by examining air and N2-O2 saturation decompression. Some 279 exposures satisfied the rigid criteria for use as data. These exposures were analyzed alone and in combination with the earlier data by a number of gas exchange models. Several models with 2 or 3 gas exchange tissues were found to fit the data well. One of these models was chosen to produce optimum stage and continuous decompression schedules at a 1% chance of decompression sickness (DCS) for air, and for two constant PO2 mixtures at saturation depths down to 100 feet of seawater (fsw). For the same low predicted incidence of DCS, continuous decompression requires many fewer hours than needed for 10 or 5 foot staged decompression. Although the most powerful use of available data supports these schedules, they need testing to verify the actual incidence of DCS. Keywords: Mathematical model; Saturation diving; Likelihood estimation; Probability.