Citation

Gempp E, Louge P, Blatteau JE, Hugon M. Mil. Med. 2011; 176(4): 446-450.

Affiliation

French Armed Forces Health Service, Department of Hyperbaric and Diving Medicine, Sainte Anne's Military Hospital, BP 20545, 83041 Toulon cedex 9, France.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Association of Military Surgeons of the United States)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

21539168

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Rebreathers are routinely used by military divers, which lead to specific diving injuries. At present, there are no published epidemiologic data in this field of study. METHODS: Diving disorders with rebreathers used in the French army were retrospectively analyzed since 1979 using military and medical reports. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty-three accidents have been reported, with an estimated incidence rate of 1 event per 3,500 to 4,000 dives. Gas toxicities were the main disorders (68%). Loss of consciousness was present in 54 cases, but only 3 lethal drowning were recorded. Decompression sicknesses (13%) were exclusively observed using 30 and 40% nitrox mixtures for depth greater than 35 msw. Eleven cases of immersion pulmonary edema were also noted. CONCLUSION: Gas toxicities are frequently encountered by French military divers using rebreathers, but the very low incidence of fatalities over 30 years can be explained by the strict application of safety diving procedures.

Language: en