The first location was a covered swimming pool with warm water (water temperature 21 °C, air temperature 25 °C). The second location was a sea harbour with relatively cold water (water temperature 16 °C, air temperature 19 °C). There was a two-h scheduled

break between the swimming pool and sea tests. The pulse oximeters www.selleckchem.com/products/Adriamycin.html were fitted with new batteries after the pool tests. At both locations there were two sets of tests. In the first test, each volunteer jumped in the water, taking care to be completely submerged, turned around immediately and rested both hands on a soft surface out of the water. In the second test, the volunteer swam at low speed for ten minutes, and then put both hands on the surface. Whilst the volunteer floated relaxed see more in the water, both hands were dried off. The six pulse oximeters were then simultaneously, and in a standardized procedure, attached to digits II–IV of both hands, and the oxygen saturation readings were recorded when a stable

reading was achieved. Lifeguards often enter swimming pools and seas under circumstances similar to those in our study. Despite this, safety measures were taken. Anesthesiologists, EMS-paramedics and additional lifeguards were present. Standard EMS equipment was available in the swimming pool and in the harbour. During the tests in the harbour a rescue boat was present. Previous studies show that baseline oxygen saturation measurements during immersion, non-strenuous swimming or exercise are between 95% and 100% in healthy individuals.15 and 16 Based on these findings, we have assumed that the oxygen saturation in our volunteers will not fall below 95%. An oxygen saturation ≤94% was therefore considered to be less than the predicted arterial oxygen saturation. The number of pulse oximetry measurements ≤94% for each pulse oximeter per test was determined. In addition, the variation in readings between the pulse oximeters was assessed. Baseline data have been checked for EGFR antibody inhibitor normal distribution by Kolomogorov–Smirnov test. Further analysis of

the results is descriptive. The mean values and standard deviations of age, body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure measurements of the ten volunteers are presented in Table 1. The measured baseline oxygen saturation under normal conditions was 96–100% in all volunteers, except for two measurements of 94% by the Nonin PalmSat. No volunteer had differences between digits II–IV of both hands. Fig. 1 shows all oxygen saturation measurements in the different test situations, with the 94% measured oxygen saturation cut off point. Measurements of 70% or lower are shown as ≤70%. In warm water of 21 °C, 5/60 (8.3%) of measurements were less than predicted after brief submersion, compared to 2/60 (3.3%) after 10 min swimming. In cold water of 16 °C, 12/60 (20%) and 29/60 (48%) respectively were less than predicted.