無線通信装置の高所における遭難の予防及び医学学術調査への応用 : 京都大学ヒマラヤ医学学術研究における調査を中心にして

Abstract

1989年から開始された京都大学ヒマラヤ医学学術研究において, 無線通信装置を, 遠征活動中の遭難の予防及ぴ救助のための信号発信器, 環境情報の検出器として活用するための研究計画を開始した. これは, 今後の遭難事故の予防対策および学術調査の進展のためにも, 出来るだけ速やかに実用化する義務があるので, その概略をここに報告する. さらに, 高所で行動中に人体の電気活動を連続記録する方法も考案したので, その結果も簡単に述べる. この方式も, 緊急時には遭難事故の救助活動に応用できるため, その点についても説明する. 最後に, 1991年4月にスイスで開催された国際高所医学会議に出席して得ることのできた最近の欧州のアルプス地域における遭難救助対策に関する新しい情報を簡単に紹介する.

In kyoto University Medical Research Expedition to Xixabangma (KUMREH '90), a new project was started to avoid mountain accidents using the wireless communication system as an emergency transmitter or detector. The electronic transceiver carried by persons or settled at the camp, could transmit various informations whish could be picked up by another transceiver or receiver. Following devices were introduced. 1. Signals consisting of intermittent audio-frequency bleeps for avalanche rescue could be transmitted from buried victims using the transceiver. An optional oscillator was connected to the transceiver when used as a transmitter. Strength of received signals was visually monitored by the scale displayed on the liquid crystals of the transceiver. 2. The physiological data including electrocardiograms, arterial oxygen saturation value or body temperature were sent by the transmitter to find accidental hypothermia or severe mountain sickness as well as to obtain experimental data from freely moving subjects for high altitude medical research. 3. The meteorological and environmental informations such as measure of snow fall, changes in atmospheric pressure or temperature were recorded continuously, and informed immediately to all expedition members using the transmitter for forecasting of stormy weather or avalanche danger.