The Snow Snorkel: a proof of concept study.
OBJECTIVE
To demonstrate that the Snow Snorkel can be used safely by healthy volunteers buried in snow for up to 1 hour.


METHODS
Nine healthy male volunteers were placed in a shoulder-width trench and buried with snow to a depth of 30 to 40 cm. The study was divided into 2 stages. The first stage (Stage 1) was performed with the Snow Snorkel in operation (60-minute duration) and was then followed by a second stage (Stage 2) (15-minute duration) when the device was removed. Arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), axillary temperature (T), and 3-lead electrocardiography (ECG) were monitored throughout the study.


RESULTS
Of the 9 volunteers who were enrolled, 7 were able to complete Stage 1, while only 3 were able to complete Stage 2. In those who completed Stage 1, the mean HR fell by 14.1 beats/min (P = .002), while RR (P = .5) and SaO2 (P = .7) remained unchanged compared to baseline measurements. There were no changes in T or ECG.


CONCLUSIONS
Simple systems such as the Snow Snorkel are effective during snow burial and warrant further investigation.
Windsor
Jeremy S
JS
Centre for Altitude, Space and Extreme Environment Medicine, Institute of Human Health and Performance, Highgate Hill, London, UK. jwindsor@doctors.org.uk
Hamilton
Edwin
E
Grocott
Michael P
MP
O'Dwyer
Michael J
MJ
Milledge
James S
JS
D000328:Adult; D001237:Asphyxia / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004190:Disasters; D004867:Equipment Design / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009051:Mountaineering; D012119:Respiration; D012865:Skiing; D012914:Snow; D013997:Time Factors; D014691:Ventilation / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D055815:Young Adult