title: Evaluation of a new universal jettison mechanism for helicopter underwater escape.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  To date, there is no standard jettison mechanism for doors, windows, or hatches in ditched helicopters. A new Universal Escape Exit (UEE) has been invented and the performance has been compared with two current in-service systems in a helicopter underwater escape trainer.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 416 evacuations were conducted by 40 subjects in two experiments using the Survival Systems Limited's underwater escape trainer.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The UEE had a distinct 2-s advantage to escape; and, in the majority of cases, was preferred to a rotating lever or a straight push out system.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Further work should continue with UEE development for qualification in an operational helicopter.
authors.affiliation: Defence & Civil Institute of Environmental Medicine, Toronto, ON.
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Brooks
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Morton
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Baranski
mesh_terms: D000060:Accidents, Aviation; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000401:Aircraft; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D004630:Emergencies; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007101:Immersion; D007374:Interior Design and Furnishings; D008297:Male; D018635:Rescue Work / Q000379:methods*; D017751:Safety Management; D013534:Survival; D013997:Time Factors