Transportable Recompression Chamber System (TRCS)
Primary function: Transportable treatment system for diving illnesses.
Manufacturer: NAVSEA Cowen, Ltd.
Characteristics:
Recompression Chamber Transport Lock
Capacity: 1 Patient 1 Medical Person
1 Medical Person
Physical Characteristics for TRC
Length 90 in.
Width 47 in.
Height 49 in.
Weight 1,213 lbs.
Cube 50 cu. ft.
Unit Replacement Cost: $257,000
Features: The TRCS is a combination of two pressure vessels used to treat divers suffering from decompression sickness and air embolisms. One vessel, the conically shaped Transportable Recompression Chamber (TRC), is used as the emergency evacuation chamber and for decompressing divers. The Transfer Lock (TL) is designed to transfer people, normally medical personnel, in and out of the TRC. The two vessels, TRC and TL, are connected by a freely rotating NATO flange coupling. The vessels are supported with individual oxygen/air support racks used to supply and control oxygen/air to personnel in the vessels. The TRCS will be transportable by various ground, ship, and air transportation. This will enable a diver to receive prompt medical treatment when located at a remote site.
Inventory:
Background: The Marine Corps currently lacks a transportable recompression system. There are significant deficiencies in treating decompression sickness or providing a means of transporting injured divers under pressure to a diving medical facility. The TRCS will be fielded to force and division-level reconnaissance units to alleviate these problems.
Date last modified: 12/15/95