Physiological Evaluation of Subjects Exposed to a Cold Water Environment while Wearing Different Protective Suit Assemblies.

摘要

The physiological responses of two volunteer subjects exposed to an extreme cold water environment (0C) while wearing the 3/16inch Chloroprene Wet Suit, 1/8inch Chloroprene Wet Suit,and the Polyvinyl Chloride Wet Suit were investigated under two conditions of use: constant immersion-flotation (COND I) and immersion-flotation for a two-minute period followed by raft occupancy (COND II). In view of exposure duration ranging from 0.5-1.0hr and from 2.0-3.0hr under CONDITIONS I and II,respectively,the results indicate that survival and tissue damage protection is afforded,within expected limits of time under both emergency conditions for search and recovery,by any of the clothing assemblies tested. It is recommended,therefore,that the 1/8inch Chloroprene Wet Suit be considered as the most acceptable on the basis of such physical characteristics as reduced weight and bulk. (Author)