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.
Centre for Altitude, Space and Extreme Environment Medicine, Institute of Human Health and Performance, Highgate Hill, London, UK. jwindsor@doctors.org.uk
Jeremy S
JS
Windsor
Edwin
E
Hamilton
Michael P
MP
Grocott
Michael J
MJ
O'Dwyer
James S
JS
Milledge
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