Location of Triage of Disabled Submarine (DISSUB) Survivors: Validating Equipment and Procedures

摘要

This report describes findings on an assortment of technologies focused on the location and triage of disabled submarine (DISSUB) survivors. In a DISSUB scenario, survivors are exposed to numerous threats such as hyper- /hypothermia, buildup of toxic gases, increased carbon dioxide levels, and/or decreased levels of oxygen. These could easily render any survivors unresponsive and hinder efficient, focused triage and rescue efforts. Further confounding rescue efforts, first responders may have varying levels of medical experience and are seeking to locate and triage casualties in the dark, confined environment of a DISSUB. Additionally, both responders and casualties may be wearing protective overgarments with toxic gases or flooding in the associated spaces. Thus, there is a need for development and implementation of equipment to assist first responders in the rapid identification and triage of any survivors. Three specific areas of technology were investigated in this initial assessment: biosensor monitoring, expedited location of casualties, and rapid life/death determination. Overall, 10 pieces of equipment were tested and only one was recommended for use in its current state. This was the Naval Firefighter Thermal Imager (NFTI) that is already in place onboard submarines. While several other technologies demonstrated great potential for future benefit, in their current state they were either prohibitively costly or their function was performed better using simpler and more reliable techniques such as confirming a palpable carotid pulse.