The human body is affected very little by explosive decompression. IF YOU GET OXYGEN YOU WILL SUFFER NO HARMFUL EFFECT. You may feel a little distension of the belly or a little rush of air from the lungs, but this is generally slight and of no consequence. Your ears should clear automatically since you are going up, not down. The only dangers of explosive decompression are as follows:

DANGERS:

  1. Tunnel -- During an explosive decompression a high velocity wind passes through the tunnel sufficiently strong to blow a man out the exits, and cause serious injury. The newer ships will have tunnel doors with small port hole openings; this will eliminate this danger. In ships not equipped in this fashion, NOBODY SHOULD ENTER THE TUNNEL WHEN THE SHIP IS PRESSURIZED.
  2. Blister -- ALWAYS FASTEN YOUR SAFTY BELT at the blister when the ship is pressurized. Otherwise you may be blown out of the ship by an explosive decompression. Also be certain that your mask is secured to your helmet, or it will be blown from the ship.

WHAT TO DO?

The important thing in explosive decompression is to get oxygen rapidly. To get oxygen rapidly you MUST at all times:

  1. Wear your helmet with the mask attached-let the mask hang from the helmet. Otherwise you may lose your mask and helmet.
  2. Keep the regulator hose clipped to your clothing and your mask plugged in.

In case of explosive decompression, adjust your mask to the face and fasten the hook on your helmet. You will then be O.K.

Fig. 16

HIGH ALTITUDE BAIL-OUT