Decompression sickness is of particular concern considering the large amount of EVA and will require a hyperbaric chamber with oxygen administering equipment. Radiation protection will require a storm shelter in the spacecraft to house the crew in the event of solar flares, and appropriate short term treatment facilities for radiation exposure are required. Treatment of common problems such as respiratory infections, contact dermatitis, and minor trauma (broken bones, sprains, bums etc.) will be of importance. While restrained by feet holds in EVA, large torques are easily placed on the ankle bones and this increases the risk of fracture. As well, working with large mass objects in space provides the opportunity for severe crush injuries. The life support system of the facility must be constantly monitored in order to detect failures that may leave the crew without water or introduce toxic substances into the environment. Environmental monitoring to track inherent biological hazards such as any volatile substances, particulate matter and microbial loads is also necessary. Non-toxic disinfectants must also be developed to combat an increase in microbial load. There is the possibility of worker contamination during EVA, especially from fuels such as hydrazine or nitrogen tetroxide. Hydrazine is inhaled or absorbed through the skin and can cause respiratory and cardiovascular problems. Nitrogen tetroxide when inhaled causes respiratory problems as well. The contaminated worker should try to brush the material off the suit during EVA or possibly sublimate the excess by exposing the contaminant to the sun. Inside the airlock (which should be equipped with air monitoring and detection equipment), the contamination should be contained and removed. Affected surfaces should be washed and symptoms treated. Other medical hardware is also suggested for the facility [Barratt, 1992]: standard physician's instruments; cardiac defibrillator/monitor with self adhesive pads and EM interference shielding; automated ventilator; medical restraint system to contain the injured, medical equipment and attendants in place; advanced life support pack with medications and medical hardware; portable oxygen supply; and stored intravenous fluids. More extensive equipment that is also suggested are: a clinical chemistry analyzer; a blood gas analyzer to provide arterial and venous O2 and CO2 levels; hematology analyzer to take red and white blood cell counts; a microbiology lab to identify microorganisms; dental treatment pack; head, ears, eyes, nose, throat kit; minor surgery kit for wound suturing, cautery, sterile dressing and intravenous lines - no general anesthesia or major surgery is suggested; pharmacy supplies; aspirator for vacuum suction; cardiac compression assist device; and a means to store biological samples and wastes. Rescue and Recovery Logan [1992] suggests three situations requiring a crew emergency rescue vehicle. Radiation Exposure Solar flare event Nuclear power system failure Experimental mishap Artificial Event Ground or orbital nuclear detonation Second to minutes (evacuate radiation area, safe haven, shielding , stop release if possible) Minutes to hours (decontamination, clean up procedures, treat radiation injured crew, evacuate some or all crew) Acute radiation syndromes (gastrointestinal, central nervous system, hematologic effects) Long term exposure factors (risk of future malignancies career limiting doses) Loss of Attitude Control Guidance/navigation system failure “Stuck thruster” Seconds to minutes (correct problem, power down spacecraft) Minutes to hours (correct problem, evacuate) Trauma Neurovestibular Disorientation Environmental / Life Support System Failure Mechanical failure Electrical failure Loss of consumables Seconds to minutes (halt further damage or loss of consumables, treat medical conditions) Minutes to hours (repair damage, evacuate) Hypoxia Hypercarbia Hypothermia Hyperthermia Dehydration
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