The experiments were carried on in a portable low-pressure chamber with
equipment for explosive decompression. The performance of this apparatus
limited the highest altitude attainable to about 21,000 meters [68,900
feet].
In this experimental series, which was to clarify the possibilities of
rescue from high altitudes, the experiments, simulating actual
conditions, were carried out in such a way that rescue with parachute
unfolded (designated as descending experiments) and with parachute
folded (designated as falling experiments) were studied sometimes with
and sometimes without oxygen breathing. Since the altitude or posture of
the body is of essential significance for the demands made by the lack
of O_{2} on the circulation, the experiments were carried out in sitting
and prone positions; and, in descending experiments, in a suspended
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position in a parachute harness corresponding to the actual position.
For purposes of demonstration certain of the experiments were recorded
on film. Electrocardiograms were made of several experiments in the
experimental series. Oxygen was breathed out of the customary
low-pressure apparatus with continuous flow at altitudes over 10 km.
[32,800 ft.]. The following experimental sequence was chosen:
1. Descending experiments without O_{2} breathing.
2. Descending experiments with O_{2} breathing.
3. Falling experiments without O_{2} breathing.
4. Falling experiments with O_{2} breathing.
The sinking and falling times which were used in the experiments are
tabulated in figures 1 and 2. [Figure 2 not reproduced.]