Development of Space Based Emergency Medical Procedures Using Simulation Technology

As The Center of Excellence for Human Operations in Space seeks to expand the possibilities of space exploration, they have recognized the limitations when it comes to medical care. Small crews have mission critical skills, but receive little training and practice in emergency medical response. If a medical emergency were to occur, these crewmembers will have to handle the diagnosis and treatment under extremely stressful conditions. NASA has recognized that the use of physiological simulation models can aid in protocol and procedure development for emergency medical response.During PH 1, we showed that traditional medical treatment used on Earth may not always be transferable to a space environment. A number of physiological changes take place in space flight and these changes may have important effects on response to treatment. During PH 2, we will model these changes in human physiology using the Emergency Care Simulator. This will aid in both the teaching and learning of appropriate medical management of the most likely medical emergencies that may arise. The simulator will be modified to provide additional visual and audible cues to aid in the diagnosis of conditions, will allow for interaction with commonly used defibrillators and function in rugged environments.