The snow snorkel: A proof of concept study

Abstract

Objective.-To demonstrate that the Snow Snorkel can be used safely by healthy volunteers buried in snow for up to 1 hour. Methods.-Nine healthy male volunteers were placed in a shoulder-width trench and buried with snow to a depth of 30 to 40 cm. The study was divided into 2 stages. The first stage (Stage 1) was performed with the Snow Snorkel in operation (60-minute duration) and was then followed by a second stage (Stage 2) (15-minute duration) when the device was removed. Arterial oxygen saturation (Sa02), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), axillary temperature (T), and 3-lead electrocardiography (ECG) were monitored throughout the study. Results.-Of the 9 volunteers who were enrolled, 7 were able to complete Stage 1, while only 3 were able to complete Stage 2. In those who completed Stage 1, the mean HR fell by 14.1 beats/min (P =.002), while RR (P =.5) and Sa02 (P =.7) remained unchanged compared to baseline measurements. There were no changes in T or ECG. Conclusions. - Simple systems such as the Snow Snorkel are effective during snow burial and warrant further investigation.