Application of BodyMonBelt-a biomedical monitoring equipment in the experiment of explosive impact on warship

Abstract

Objective To monitor the explosion impact and its influence to the shipboard personnnel's physiological state by BodyMonBelt-a biomedical monitoring equipment for aviation in the experiment of non-contact underwater explosion on warship and to promote a real-time monitoring technique. Methods In the experiment of non-contact underwater torpedo explosion on warship, 9 shipboard personnel and a manikin, who were in different locations, were monitored by BodyMonBelt. The recorded parameters included ECG, HR, respiratory rate, body temperature and bi-axial acceleration values (Gy and Gz), of which only accelerations were recorded on manikin. Several other BodyMonBelt devices were placed in different location for recording the explosive impact to ship body. Self-comparimn analysis on HR,respiratory rate and body temperature that measured in 30 min before and after explosion was taken.Results The acceleration range applied by explosion at heart position was respectively 0. 23-2. 17 G and -0. 39-0. 66 G along Gz and Gy axis and those were in endurable range of human body. The highest HR and respiratory rate prior to explosion could be in the ranges of 107-171 beats/min and 22-29 times/min and average HR and respiratory rate, gathered at 30 min after explosion, were higher than those before explosion (t=2.929, P=0.019). The body temperature had no significant change in experiment. Conclusions BodyMonBelt could accurately record the explosion impact that applied on ship body and shipboard personnel, and simultaneously monitor the related physiological changes. It would be an applicable equipment in analyzing physiological and psychological state of the people who works in hazardous environment. By analyzing the BodyMonBelt recorded results and comparing physiological tolerance limit, it is showed that wearing proper shield and maintaining right posture could effectively protect the shipboard personnel from the explosive impact at experiment equivalent grade. Key words: Explosion ; High-energy shock waves ; Acceleration ; Electrocardiography ; Heart rate ; Respiration ; Outcome assessment (health care) ; Equipment and supplies ;