Submarine medicine as an analog for spaceflight: a review of acute medical care

Long-duration spaceflight presents similar medical challenges to submarine deployment, including limited surgical capabilities and the psychological strain from isolation. This review synthesizes submarine medical literature to highlight parallels and divergences with space medicine, focusing on acute conditions. By comparing incidence data on acute medical diagnoses and examining case studies of these conditions, we propose countermeasures such as expanded surgical training and increased mental engagement. These analogies provide a blueprint for autonomous medical care on missions to the Moon and Mars.