The defence industry requires advanced technology and solutions for the unique, and often extreme conditions, in which people work. The military conducts scientific and technological research and officer training in high altitude environments with low oxygen levels. Thus, reduced oxygen delivery devices are necessary and widely used by various branches of the military, including the Air Force, the Navy, and the Army. This blog will review how reduced oxygen delivery devices are used in the military.
Defence Industry Research Using Reduced Oxygen Delivery Devices
The health and safety of all those working in extreme low oxygen environments in the defence industry is a priority. Therefore, research into hypoxia is very valuable. Hypoxia, a condition where not enough oxygen is reaching the cells in the body to properly function, can be life threatening. By using reduced oxygen delivery devices to simulate hypoxia, researchers can observe the effects it has on the human body in low oxygen conditions. Devices can also be customized for additional research conditions, including variable levels of CO2. Then, they can inform the defence industry of the limits people can undergo and further impact training and preparation practices. Reduced oxygen delivery devices enable more informed decisions surrounding defence technology development and military instruction.
Military Training with Reduced Oxygen Delivery Devices
Properly and safely preparing those in the military for low oxygen conditions is crucial in training programs. For example, all branches of the U.S. military employ reduced oxygen delivery devices to train air crews in recognizing hypoxia symptoms in themselves and others. Conducting this training at normobaric pressures reduces risk and prevents downtime for trainees that is required after hypobaric training. In conducting this training, the crews are then able to effectively and safely perform the necessary emergency procedures to treat hypoxia. This training has the potential to be lifesaving.
Furthermore, in simulating environments similar to high-altitude flight, reduced oxygen delivery devices expose trainee pilots to conditions they will face while working. This preparation is key for successful performance while under low oxygen stress on the body. Proper training increases the safety of all involved in high altitude exercises and missions.
Reduced Oxygen Delivery Devices with Environics
This blog has served as a brief introduction to reduced oxygen delivery devices and how the military applies this technology. As a world leader in computerized gas flow instrumentation for gas mixers, gas dilution and calibration systems, Environics can provide solutions to unique reduced oxygen delivery device applications. We provide several reduced oxygen breathing devices (ROBD), including the ROBD2 and customizable ROBD3 that can be used for expanded research and training purposes. For example, the ability to add controlled levels of CO2 is available. Our ROBD models include a touch screen pulse oximeter, internal reservoir, an inline oxygen filter, rear probe connection, and a “hot key” feature simulating a failure in backup oxygen supply. We also offer an ROBD simulator accessory package to streamline product setup for simulation and training programs.
If you would like to learn more information about any of the reduced oxygen delivery devices Environics offers, please reach out to our experienced service team or visit our website. If you have specific queries regarding our solutions or believe you would benefit from them, we would be happy to assist.
