Albert Behnke: nitrogen narcosis.

Abstract

As early as 1826, divers diving to great depths noted that descent often resulted in a phenomenon of intoxication and euphoria. In 1935, Albert Behnke discovered nitrogen as the cause of this clinical syndrome, a condition now known as nitrogen narcosis. Nitrogen narcosis consists of the development of euphoria, a false sense of security, and impaired judgment upon underwater descent using compressed air below 3-4 atmospheres (99 to 132 feet). At greater depths, symptoms can progress to loss of consciousness. The syndrome remains relatively unchanged in modern diving when compressed air is used. Behnke's use of non-nitrogen-containing gas mixtures subsequent to his discovery during the 1939 rescue of the wrecked submarine USS Squalus pioneered the use of non-nitrogen-containing gas mixtures, which are used by modern divers when working at great depth to avoid the effects of nitrogen narcosis.

• Authors: Casey A Grover, David H Grover
• Journal: The Journal of emergency medicine (J Emerg Med) Vol. 46 Issue 2 Pg. 225-7 (Feb 2014) ISSN: 0736-4679 [Print] United States
• PMID: 24262058 (Publication Type: Biography, Historical Article, Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Topics

• Decompression Sickness (history)
• Diving (history)
• History, 20th Century
• Inert Gas Narcosis (history)
• Rescue Work (history)
• Submarine Medicine (history)