FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine
Civil Aerospace Medical Institute
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Report No: DOT/FAA/AM-95/20

Title and Subtitle: Alternative Methods for Flotation Seat Cushion Use, ADA299624

Report Date: May 1995

Authors: Funkhouser, G.E., and George, M.H.

Abstract: Alternative methods of using flotation seat cushions for water crash survivors were identified at the Civil Aeromedical Institute (CAMI). These methods, tested in the CAMI survival tank and a theme park wave pool, were: 1) two people facing each other, holding two cushions between them; 2) two people facing each other, holding two cushions between them, with a third person held between the two cushions; 3) two people facing each other, holding their cushions on the other person's back; 4) two people facing each other, holding their cushions on the other person's back, with a third person held between the two people; and 5) each person holding a cushion while interlocking arms with adjacent survivors to form a large cluster.

Results: The first two methods, using cushions held between two people, are beneficial when linking-up is difficult because of rough seas and when heat loss is not a problem. When seas are calm and the water is cold, the third and fourth methods should retard loss of body heat. The fifth method, where the survivors are clustered together, brings together and connects the survivors who are using the other methods. The cluster allows for more support and help for injured and unconscious survivors. Because individuals tend to separate in the water, the cluster also presents a large visual target for rescuers. Preliminary testing, using a small flotation dummy, suggests that the second method could be used to rescue children by placing them between the cushions held by adults.

Key Words: Flotation seat cushions, Ditching, Hypothermia, Cabin safety, Water survival

No. of Pages: 9