CARDIOVASCULAR-RESPONSES WITH STANDARD AND EXTENDED BLADDER COVERAGE G-SUITS DURING RAPID DECOMPRESSION

This study compared the cardiovascular responses of subjects exposed t o 60,000 ft. rapid decompressions while wearing the Combined Advanced Technology Enhanced Design ''G'' Ensemble (COMBAT EDGE or CE) and the Tactical Life Support System (TLSS). Eight subjects were rapidly decom pressed from 22,500 ft (6,858 m) to 60,000 ft (18,288 m), once wearing the CE ensemble and ones wearing the TLSS ensemble. There were signif icant differences in heart rate, stroke volume, cardiac index, and mea n arterial pressure (p < 0.0001), due to garment type, with TLSS provi ding better cardiovascular support. Oxygen saturation did not decrease to the same degree with CE as with TLSS (p < 0.0001). Both TLSS and C E provided sufficient physiological support to maintain oxygen saturat ions above 65% during the a-min exposures to 60,000 Ct attitude. Short -term physiological support at higher altitudes with greater PPB level s or longer duration excursions at 60,000 ft may not be possible witho ut the greater G-suit bladder coverage and cardiovascular support prov ided by TLSS-type garments.