A review on the environmental impact and physiological conditions on the human body during an engulfment, entrapment and extrication
Date
Authors
Major Professor
Advisor
Committee Member
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Authors
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Since 1905, the Department of Agricultural Engineering, now the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ABE), has been a leader in providing engineering solutions to agricultural problems in the United States and the world. The department’s original mission was to mechanize agriculture. That mission has evolved to encompass a global view of the entire food production system–the wise management of natural resources in the production, processing, storage, handling, and use of food fiber and other biological products.
History
In 1905 Agricultural Engineering was recognized as a subdivision of the Department of Agronomy, and in 1907 it was recognized as a unique department. It was renamed the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering in 1990. The department merged with the Department of Industrial Education and Technology in 2004.
Dates of Existence
1905–present
Historical Names
- Department of Agricultural Engineering (1907–1990)
Related Units
- College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (parent college)
- College of Engineering (parent college)
- Department of Industrial Education and Technology, (merged, 2004)
Journal Issue
Is Version Of
Versions
Series
Department
Abstract
Grain entrapments and engulfments are one of most common hazards associated with grain storage facilities. Since 1970’s over 1000 grain entrapments and engulfments incidents have been documented. However, there have been very few attempts to understand the forces and physiological conditions on the victims involved in these incidents, and understand why and how injuries are caused. This research will contribute to a better understanding of the conditions a body faces when entrapped/engulfed in grain. This is critical to understand to be able to address the low survival rate (12%) of engulfments. Based on literature review, the human body can be impacted by two sources. First there are environmental conditions such as grain pressure, oxygen levels that can determine the survivorship of a victim. Second there are physiological conditions such as asphyxiation, suspension trauma and heart rate that also have an impact on the human body. In conclusion the human body is impacted by multiple conditions and forces both internally and externally that impact the likelihood for survival. To be able to have an impact it is critical that studies are conducted on the impact of lateral pressure on lung expansion and if suspension trauma might be a contributing factor in the deaths.
Comments
This proceeding is from 2015 ASABE Annual International Meeting, Paper No. 152189336, pages 1-10 (doi: 10.13031/aim.20152189336). St. Joseph, Mich.: ASABE. Posted with permission.