How does the crew deal with medical emergencies in space?
The Shuttle carries a series of medical kits called the Shuttle Orbiter Medical System (SOMS) into orbit for use by two specially trained crew members (Crew Medical Officers) for each mission. The crew members can use the kits to deal with both minor and major illness/injury that might typically be seen in a small emergency center. These include suturing lacerations, giving injections, using intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and other medications, and diagnosing and treating a variety of medical events during spaceflight. How do astronauts in space go to the bathroom and take care of their personal hygiene? Astronauts brush their teeth just like they do on Earth. There is no shower on the Shuttle, so astronauts must make do with sponge baths until they return home. Each Space Shuttle has a toilet that can be used by both men and women. Designed to be as much as possible like those on Earth, the units use flowing air instead of water to move waste through the system. Solid wastes are com
