title: Initial review of the U.S. Navy's pressurized submarine escape training outcomes.
abstract: The U.S. Navy reinstituted pressurized submarine escape training (PSET) for submarine sailors in 2009 after a nearly 30-year absence. This training addresses escape from a disabled submarine at depth with the use of the Beaufort, Ltd. Mk 10 Submarine Escape and Immersion Equipment (SEIE) suit. Training is classified as "high-risk" due to previous U.S. and foreign navy experience with training-associated morbidity and mortality, particularly from diving-related illness. To reduce risk, medical screening procedures are performed. During the first 39 months of training, 7,025 students screened for PSET with 32% completing all phases, including two pressurized ascents. The most common reason for screening disqualification was presence of upper respiratory congestion. During training, middle ear barotrauma was responsible for 53% of attrition, primarily during the test of pressure.
authors.forename: Seth W
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: O'Donnell
authors.forename: Wayne G
authors.initials: WG
authors.lastname: Horn
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001469:Barotrauma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D003479:Curriculum; D004427:Ear Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D004432:Ear, Middle / Q000293:injuries; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D008889:Military Personnel; D010560:Personnel Selection / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011312:Pressure / Q000009:adverse effects; D011481:Protective Clothing; D013366:Submarine Medicine / Q000193:education* / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D014481:United States; D055815:Young Adult