Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 21, 2026
05:12
Swimming Performance Assessment in Fishes
Published on: May 20, 2011
Screening for oxygen sensitivity in U.S. Navy combat swimmers
K C Walters1, M T Gould, E A Bachrach
1Naval Medical Center, San Diego, California 92134-5000, USA.
Summary
Oxygen tolerance testing for Navy SEAL candidates is not useful. A review of 6,250 tests showed a very low incidence of oxygen toxicity, suggesting the screening is unnecessary.
Area of Science:
- Naval medicine
- Hyperbaric physiology
- Occupational health
Background:
- The U.S. Naval Special Warfare Community screens combat swimmer candidates for hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) toxicity.
- Oxygen tolerance testing has been historically used for this screening process.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of oxygen tolerance testing for U.S. Navy SEAL candidates.
- To determine the incidence of oxygen toxicity in this population.
Main Methods:
- Review of oxygen tolerance test data from 1976-1997 (6,250 tests) at Naval Special Warfare Center and Naval Special Warfare Group One.
- Analysis of Naval Safety Center data from 1986-1997 for oxygen toxicity during LAR V dives (157,930 dives).
Main Results:
- Only six episodes of O2 toxicity were found in 6,250 tests (0.096% incidence).
- This incidence is significantly lower than previously reported rates.
- Only one O2 toxicity episode occurred during 157,930 LAR V dives.
Conclusions:
- Oxygen tolerance testing is not a useful screening tool for U.S. Navy SEAL candidates.
- Factors beyond individual sensitivity likely contribute to O2 toxicity.
- Discontinuation of oxygen tolerance testing is recommended.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Assessment of Diffusion and Perfusion
Understanding and evaluating diffusion and perfusion is critical in assessing a patient's respiratory and circulatory health. These processes play key roles in maintaining the body's internal environment, ensuring that tissues receive adequate oxygen while waste products are efficiently removed.
The Role of Diffusion in Respiration
Diffusion is the process by which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. In the respiratory system, this principle...
The Role of Diffusion in Respiration
Diffusion is the process by which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. In the respiratory system, this principle...
01:19Special considerations while measuring oxygen saturation
Assessing respiratory rate concurrently with pulse measurement is fundamental to patient care, providing valuable insights into the patient's respiratory function. The normal breathing rate for an adult usually falls within a normal range of 12 to 20 breaths per minute. Abnormal respiratory rates can signal underlying health conditions or the need for immediate intervention.
Ensuring accuracy in vital sign recordings while prioritizing patient comfort and minimizing anxiety is important.
Ensuring accuracy in vital sign recordings while prioritizing patient comfort and minimizing anxiety is important.
01:19Respiratory Assessment: Purpose and Indications
Respiratory assessment is a cornerstone of nursing assessments, crucial for the early detection of patient deterioration. This evaluation transcends routine procedures, representing a critical skill nurses must master to ensure optimal patient care.
Objectives and Importance:
The primary goal of respiratory assessment is to evaluate patients at early risk of clinical deterioration. Since respiratory distress often precedes other signs of declining health, breathing patterns and sounds become a...
Objectives and Importance:
The primary goal of respiratory assessment is to evaluate patients at early risk of clinical deterioration. Since respiratory distress often precedes other signs of declining health, breathing patterns and sounds become a...
01:30Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles
A thorough assessment of respiratory health is paramount in clinical settings to identify and manage respiratory distress and ensure adequate oxygenation. This article elaborates on the critical aspects of respiratory evaluation, including airway assessment, skin color examination, and the observation of accessory muscle use, which are integral to effectively diagnosing and managing patients with respiratory conditions.
Introduction
The initial evaluation of a patient's respiratory system...
Introduction
The initial evaluation of a patient's respiratory system...
01:27Oxygen Transport in the Blood
Hemoglobin (Hb) is a crucial molecule in the human body, consisting of four polypeptide chains, each bound to an iron-containing heme group. This unique structure enables hemoglobin to bind to oxygen, with each molecule capable of combining with four molecules of oxygen, leading to rapid and reversible oxygen loading. When fully loaded with oxygen, it is called oxyhemoglobin, while hemoglobin that has released oxygen is called reduced hemoglobin or deoxyhemoglobin. As hemoglobin binds oxygen,...
01:16Oxygen Delivering System II: Venturi Mask and Transtracheal Oxygen
Oxygen therapy is a pivotal aspect of medical care, particularly for patients with respiratory ailments. Two prominent oxygen-delivering systems include the Venturi mask and the transtracheal oxygen catheter.
Venturi Mask
The Venturi mask, named after the Venturi effect, is designed to deliver precise oxygen concentrations. It consists of a large tube with an oxygen inlet that narrows down, causing a pressure drop that pulls air in through adjustable side ports. The mask is a lightweight,...
Venturi Mask
The Venturi mask, named after the Venturi effect, is designed to deliver precise oxygen concentrations. It consists of a large tube with an oxygen inlet that narrows down, causing a pressure drop that pulls air in through adjustable side ports. The mask is a lightweight,...