First aid cardiopulmonary resuscitation at the exit of capsule and strategy coping with the "Shenzhou 11" spacecraft

Abstract

Objective To summarize the medical security experience in first-aid and resuscitation for astronauts at the exit of capsule after the spacecraft returns to the main landing site in the process of human spaceflight in China, and thus to provide a powerful security measures for Chinese aerospace medicine. Methods The medical support experiences were summarized in human spaceflight from Shenzhou V to Shenzhou X, relevant reports on emergency rescue and resuscitation were consulted in in-orbit process and after emergency return and landing for domestic and foreign astronauts, astronauts’ physiological changes in cardiopulmonary resuscitation were analyzed during emergency return, and then, corresponding strategies were proposed and tested in practice (actual combat) by combining with the flight characteristics of the spacecraft Shenzhou XI. Results On the basis of the original emergency treatment, the countermeasures for the cardiopulmonary resuscitation were proposed after the spacecraft returned to the main landing site in human spaceflight, the emergency equipment was adjusted, the emergency procedures were optimized, and anti-fog glidescopes were added, laryngeal masks were introduced to perform supraglottic ventilation as the quickest and most effective airway opening measure on site. In addition, ultrasound examination was applied in practice as an important treatment and assessment method for basic life support and advanced life support. All these could ensure the rescuing ability on cardiopulmonary resuscitation during their stay in space for the medium-term and after their return to the main landing site. Conclusions During the return of the astronauts of the spacecraft Shenzhou XI to the main landing site, the first aid and support program had been improved specifically and the process had been optimized to ensure the successful completion of medical security mission of China's human spaceflight. Key words: Asronuats; First aid; Cold weather; Medical security; Ultrasound; Airway; Cardiopulmonary resuscitation; Strategy