title: Measurement of carbon dioxide levels during use of ELSA and the effect of venting on these levels.
abstract: METHODS
  A prospective, objective assessment of ELSA use, in order to determine whether venting of the ELSA influences carbon dioxide (CO2) levels.
  
  
  METHODS
  Inspired and expired CO2 levels.
  
  
  METHODS
  On board RFA ARGUS during Operation TELIC.
  
  
  METHODS
  10 volunteers had a baseline of inspired and expired CO2 levels taken. These levels were measured at one minute intervals during use of an ELSA in 3 conditions--sitting, jogging and jogging with venting.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was no difference in expired CO2 levels between baseline and use of ELSA whilst sitting. Periodic venting of the ELSA made no difference to inspired and expired CO2 levels.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Venting of the ELSA during use makes no difference to CO2 levels whether inspired or expired. Therefore, venting is unnecessary and potentially wastes vital time during escape from a smoke-filled compartment and adds additional stress to the escapee.
authors.affiliation: RFA ARGUS.
authors.forename: B J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Dekker
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Heames
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Hughes
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Hett
authors.forename: C G
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Johnston
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001944:Breath Tests; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008020:Life Support Care / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009326:Naval Medicine / Q000379:methods*; D011446:Prospective Studies
chemical_list: D002245:Carbon Dioxide