Thinking about Life Support
23 Apr 2022Jay Keller
I said that I would go to Colonia in my previous entry, but that plan went on the backburner when I signed up to join a squadron. Yeah, I know. Still, you know what they say about the best laid plans and all that.So, while working on helping the faction that we (the sqaudron) represent, I was thinking about something that might sound a little morbid.
We have life support in our vessels, right? If the canopy fails, or the life support system goes down, we get a certain amount of emergency air depending on the grade that we have. Of course, since we can just refill it with synthesis, this isn't much of a worry, but if a commander can't, say that.. they're out of the bubble, then what? Are they dead?
I don't think so. See, here's the the thing. Humanoid brains tend to stop working properly in around 6-15 seconds without oxygen. Of course, I'm counting the fact that we have the RemLok equipment to help. Way back in the day, it would be 6-9 seconds on a good day! Note I said working properly, not completely shut down. It might be a bit longer to that point. Space medicine is not my strong point.
4 minuites after that point? The brain starts to take damage. I am just guessing here, but I think what happens is that the cap that is attached to the helmet induces hypothermia to reduce the demand of what little oxygen is actually left in the helmet itself. Remember, inhaled air is 21% oxygen, while exhaled air is 16%. Of course, if it reaches that point, the poor commander is unconcious until the rescue rangers save them. I have a theory on how they can get to you pretty quickly, but that is a theory in of itself.
It doesn't explain why COVAS auto-destructs the vessel if this happens, mind you!