Вreathing in helium-oxygen gas mixtures as a means of emergency restoration of the working capacity of specialists of hazardous occupations

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of using helium-oxygen breathing mixtures for emergency restoration of the working capacity of specialists of hazardous occupations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: 18 male military personnel (age 25–40 years), divided into the main group and the comparison group (9 people each). All servicemen showed signs of decreased efficiency. In the main group, a procedure of 40-minute breathing with a heated gas mixture with an Oxygen content of 25% vol., Helium content of 75% vol. was prescribed. The comparison group underwent standard 40-minute Oxygen therapy.

RESULTS: Using of helium-oxygen gas media demostrated much more effective means of emergency restoration of the work capacity of specialists than oxygen therapy. This was evidenced by the better dynamics of physical performance indicators and the level of physiological reserves in the main group.

CONCLUSIONS & DISCUSSION: Helium-oxygen therapy can be considered as an effective and safe method of restoring working capacity, applicable in the «field» conditions.

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