How do dentists/surgeons on Navy vessels work while the vessels are pushed around by ocean waves?
In: Physics
Preferably the surgeries would be conducted in the centre of the ship as far down as possible. This is where the movement of the ship is the least. In addition there are techniques that can help keep stable such as using the patient as a rest to keep the hands stable. It is also possible to inform the bridge about the surgery so they can adjust the course and speed to reduce the ships movement. For casualties at smaller vessels such as destroyers a patient can be transferred to larger vessels such as aircraft carriers which are more stable. For submarines they just dive under the swells to keep stable.
Turning a ship towards the incoming wind or wave direction is usually something that is done when a surgery cannot be postponed or avoided. By choosing the most centred area any form of ship movement is reduced even more. Some larger ships have specialized forms of attachments for surgery tables and alike stations. Generally spoken: the less wind and waves cross direction the easier it is to turn the ship into a direction that makes movements either very smooth or at least tolerable for experienced crew.
Latest Answers