Capt. Edward Deforest Thalmann, USN (ret.) (April 3, 1945 – July 24, 2004) was an American hyperbaric medicine specialist who was principally responsible for developing the current United States Navy dive tables for mixed-gas diving, which are based on his eponymous Thalmann Algorithm (VVAL18).[1] At the time of his death, Thalmann was serving as assistant medical director of the Divers Alert Network (DAN) and an assistant clinical professor in anesthesiology at Duke University's Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Environmental Physiology.[2]

Education

Raised in South Amboy, New Jersey, Thalmann graduated in 1962 from Sayreville War Memorial High School in Sayreville, New Jersey.[3][4] He attended the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, graduating in 1966 with a bachelor of science degree.[5] He attended medical school at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. From 1970 to 1971, Thalmann was a surgical intern at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal, Quebec. It was there that he met his future wife, a nursing graduate.

While on active duty, from 1975 to 1977, Thalmann conducted a two-year postdoctoral fellowship under the guidance of Claes Lundgren and Hermann Rahn, at the State University of New York at Buffalo, studying the effects of immersion and breathing bag placement in rebreathers on underwater exercise.[2]

Naval career

Thalmann served as Chief Medical Officer on board the ballistic missile submarine USS Thomas Jefferson for a single deployment, from 1971 to 1972 before being posted as a research diving medical officer at the United States Navy Experimental Diving Unit (NEDU) at the Washington Navy Yard, where he was stationed until 1975.

Following his post-doctoral fellowship in Buffalo, in 1977, Thalmann returned to NEDU, now located in Panama City, Florida, as Assistant Senior Medical Officer, where he began developing new dive tables and mixed-gas diving techniques.[6][2] While at NEDU, Thalmann created a number of unique and innovative underwater exercise devices, still in use today, intended to assist in gauging the underwater endurance of divers using various gas mixtures while performing physically demanding tasks.[7]

In 1985, Thalmann, at that time the Senior Medical Officer at NEDU, was selected for the NATO Undersea Medicine Personnel Exchange Program and assigned to the Royal Navy Institute of Naval Medicine, Alverstoke, United Kingdom. There he continued development of a new decompression table and worked on improving undersea thermal protection garments. Upon the conclusion of his exchange tour in 1987, Thalmann returned to Bethesda to serve as the commander of the Naval Medical Research Institute's diving medicine and physiology research division.

Civilian career

Following his retirement from the Navy in 1993, Thalmann stayed on at NMRI as a senior scientist in decompression research.[8] In July 1994 took a position in Durham, North Carolina at Duke's Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Environmental Physiology and later accepted a simultaneous position as the Assistant Medical Director of DAN in 1995.

Thalmann died on July 24, 2004, in Durham, due to congestive heart failure, at the age of 59. He was committed to the sea on August 31, 2004, with services conducted aboard USS Maryland, an Ohio-class submarine, off the coast of Kings Bay, Georgia at 30°57′00″N 79°53′30″W / 30.95000°N 79.89167°W / 30.95000; -79.89167.[9]

Contributions to hyperbaric medicine

Based on scientific studies of gas exchange in human tissues, further informed by his supervision of hundreds of experimental dives, Thalmann developed his namesake mathematical algorithm to protect divers from decompression sickness. The Thalmann algorithm was the basis for a new set of decompression tables that provided more flexibility for diving time, depth, gas mixtures and pressures. The algorithm was also used for developing wearable dive computers to manage complex individual dives. Thalmann's research ultimately improved decompression safety for military divers, recreational divers, and even astronauts.[8]

Awards

Bronze star
Bronze star
Submarine Medical insignia
Legion of Merit Meritorious Service Medal Navy Unit Commendation
Meritorious Unit Commendation
with star
National Defense Service Medal
with star
Navy and Marine Corps
Overseas Service Ribbon

with star
Diving Medical Officer badge SSBN Deterrent Patrol insignia

Publications

Refereed journals

Non-refereed journals and reports

  • Thalmann, E. D. (1974). "A prophylactic program for the prevention of otitis externa in saturation divers". Navy Exp. Diving Unit Res. Report. 10–74. Archived from the original on August 20, 2008. Retrieved March 16, 2008.
  • Thalmann, E. D.; M. M. Knott; J. C. Cr; et al. (1974). "Determination of the adequacy of helmet ventilation in the Navy MK 12 and MK 5 hard-hat diving apparatus". Navy Exp. Diving Unit Res. Report. 16–74. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  • Spaur, W. H.; E. D. Thalmann; R. C. Maulbeck (1978). "Carbon dioxide absorbent canister studies of the hot water heated, helium-oxygen mode, MK 12 surface-supplied diving system". Navy Exp. Diving Unit Res. Report. 20–78. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  • Spaur, W. H.; E. D. Thalmann; R. C. Maulbeck (1979). "MK 12 surface-supplied diving system helium-oxygen emergency mode study". Navy Exp. Diving Unit Res. Report. 8–79. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  • Piantadosi, C. A.; D. J. Ball; M. L. Nuckols; E. D. Thalmann (1979). "Manned evaluation of the NCSC diver thermal protection (DTP) passive system prototype". Navy Exp. Diving Unit Res. Report. 13–79. Archived from the original on February 10, 2009. Retrieved March 16, 2008.
  • Piantadosi, C. A.; E. D. Thalmann; W. H. Spaur (1980). "Improved life support capability in the MK 11 semi-closed circuit UBA by modification of the carbon dioxide absorbent canister". Navy Exp. Diving Unit Res. Report. 5–80. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  • Thalmann, E. D.; I. P. B. Buckingham; W. H. Spaur (1980). "Testing of decompression algorithms for use in the U.S. Navy underwater decompression computer (Phase I)". Navy Exp. Diving Unit Res. Report. 11–80. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  • Gray, C. G.; E. D. Thalmann. (1980). "Manned evaluation of the pre-production MK 16 underwater breathing apparatus". Navy Exp. Diving Unit Res. Report. 13–80. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  • Gray, C. G.; E. D. Thalmann; R. Syklawer (1981). "United States Coast Guard emergency underwater escape rebreather evaluation". Navy Exp. Diving Unit Res. Report. 2–81. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  • Middleton, J. R.; E. D. Thalmann. (1981). "Manned evaluation of the pre-production MK 16 underwater breathing apparatus". Navy Exp. Diving Unit Res. Report. 3–81. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  • Gray, C. G.; E. D. Thalmann. (1981). "Manned evaluation of Field Change 9/85 to the MK 11 UBA CO2 absorbent canister". Navy Exp. Diving Unit Res. Report. 4–81. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  • Thalmann, E. D. (1983). "Computer algorithms used in computing the MK15/16 constant 0.7 ATA oxygen partial pressure decompression tables". Navy Exp. Diving Unit Res. Report. 1–83. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  • Jaggaers, F. R.; E. D. Thalmann. (1983). "Manned evaluation of MK 15 closed circuit UBA canister duration at 13.4 °C and 2 °C". Navy Exp. Diving Unit Res. Report. 6–83. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  • Thalmann, E. D.; F. K. Butler. (1983). "A procedure for doing multiple level dives on air using repetitive groups". Navy Exp. Diving Unit Res. Report. 13–83. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  • Thalmann, E. D. (1984). "Phase II testing of decompression algorithms for use in the U.S. Navy underwater decompression computer". Navy Exp. Diving Unit Res. Report. 1–84. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  • Butler, F. K.; E. D. Thalmann. (1984). "Purging procedures for the Draeger LAR V underwater breathing apparatus". Navy Exp. Diving Unit Res. Report. 5–84. Archived from the original on August 20, 2008. Retrieved March 16, 2008.
  • Butler, F. K.; E. D. Thalmann. (1984). "Oxygen Toxicity in Closed-Circuit SCUBA Divers". Navy Exp. Diving Unit Res. Report. 11–84. Archived from the original on August 29, 2008. Retrieved March 16, 2008.
  • Thalmann, E. D. (1985). "Development of a Decompression Algorithm for Constant Oxygen Partial Pressure in Helium Diving". Navy Exp. Diving Unit Res. Report. 1–85. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  • Thalmann, E. D. (1985). "Air-N202 Decompression Computer Algorithm Development". Navy Exp. Diving Unit Res. Report. 8–85. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  • Thalmann, E. D. (1985). "Repetitive/Multi-Level Dive Procedures for Constant 0.7 ATA Oxygen Partial Pressure in Nitrogen Diving". Navy Exp. Diving Unit Res. Report. 9–85.
  • Presswood, C. G.; E. D. Thalmann; M. D. Curley (1986). "Test and evaluation of two prototype model underwater decompression monitors". Navy Exp. Diving Unit Res. Report. 10–86. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  • Thalmann, E. D.; R. Schedlich; J.R. Broome; P.E. Barker (1987). "Evaluation of Passive Thermal Protection Systems for Cold Water Diving". (Royal Navy) Institute of Naval Medicine Report. Alverstoke, England. 25–87.
  • Weinberg, R. P.; E. D. Thalmann. (1990). "Effects of Hand and Foot Heating on Diver Thermal Balance". Naval Medical Research Institute Report. 90–52. Archived from the original on June 13, 2008. Retrieved March 16, 2008.
  • Albin, G.; P. Massell; E. D. Thalmann (1990). "Basic Operation and Preliminary Trials of a Detector for Stationary Gas Bubbles". Naval Medical Research Institute Report. 91–39.
  • Thorp, J. W.; D.M. Stevens; A.J. Dutka; T.J. Doubt; E.D. Thalmann (1992). "Pyridostigmine Prophylaxis During Warm Water Diving Operations". Navy Medicine. 83 (1): 23–26.
  • Survanshi SS, Weathersby PK, Homer LD, Thalmann ED. Design of Dive Trials. In: Lang MA, Vann RD eds: AAUS Repetitive Dive Workshop. Costa Mesa, CA. American Academy of Underwater Scientists, 1992:287-292.
  • Weathersby, P. K.; S.S. Survanshi; R.Y. Nishi; E.D. Thalmann (1992). "Statistically based decompression tables VII: Selection and treatment of primary air and N2O2 data". Joint Report: Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory and Naval Medical Research Institute. NSMRL 1182 and NMRI 92-85. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  • Parker, E. C.; S.S. Survanshi; P.K. Weathersby; E.D. Thalmann (1992). "Statistically Based Decompression Tables VIII: Linear Exponential Kinetics". Naval Medical Research Institute Report. 92–73. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  • Ball, R.; J. Himm; L. D. Homer; E. D. Thalmann (1994). "A Model of Bubble Evolution During Decompression Based on a Monte Carlo Simulation of Inert Gas Diffusion". Naval Medical Research Institute Report. 94–36.
  • Parker, E. C.; S.S. Survanshi; E.D. Thalmann; P.K. Weathersby (1996). "Statistically based decompression tables IX: probabilistic models of the role of oxygen in human decompression sickness". Naval Medical Research Institute Report. 96–05. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  • Survanshi, S. S.; P. K. Weathersby; E. D. Thalmann (1996). "Statistically based decompression tables X: Real-time decompression algorithm using a probabilistic model". Naval Medical Research Institute Report. 96–06. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  • Thalmann, E. D.; P. C. Kelleher; S. S. Survanshi; E. C. Parker; P. K. Weathersby (1999). "Statistically Based Decompression Tables XI: Manned Validation of the LE Probabilistic Model for Air and Nitrogen-Oxygen Diving". Naval Medical Research Institute Report. 99–01. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  • Survanshi, S. S.; E. C. Parker; E. D. Thalmann; P. K. Weathersby (1997). "Statistically based decompression tables XII: Volume I. Repetitive decompression tables for air and constant 0.7 ata PO2 in N2 using a probabilistic model". Naval Medical Research Institute Report. 97–36.
  • Survanshi, S. S.; E. C. Parker; E. D. Thalmann; P. K. Weathersby (1997). "Statistically based decompression tables XII: Volume II. Repetitive dive tables: Air". Naval Medical Research Institute Report. 97–36.
  • Survanshi, S. S.; E. C. Parker; E. D. Thalmann; P. K. Weathersby (1997). "Statistically based decompression tables XII: Volume III. Exceptional exposure tables: Air". Naval Medical Research Institute Report. 97–36.
  • Survanshi, S. S.; E. C. Parker; E. D. Thalmann; P. K. Weathersby (1997). "Statistically based decompression tables XII: Volume IV. Repetitive dive tables: 0.7 ATA PO2 in N2". Naval Medical Research Institute Report. 97–36.
  • Survanshi, S. S.; E. C. Parker; E. D. Thalmann; P. K. Weathersby (1997). "Statistically based decompression tables XII: Volume V. Exceptional exposure tables: 0.7 ATA PO2 in N2". Naval Medical Research Institute Report. 97–36.
  • Gerth, W. A.; E. D. Thalmann. (1998). "Vascular Effects of Underwater Low Frequency Sound in Immersed Individuals". Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory Report.
  • Latson, G. W.; E. T. Flynn; W. A. Gerth; E. D. Thalmann (2000). "Accelerated Decompression Using Oxygen for Submarine Rescue - Summary Report and Operational Guidance". Navy Exp. Diving Unit Res. Report. 11–00. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  • Hamilton, R. W. Jr.; E. D. Thalmann; D. J. Temple (2002). "Multi-Day Air Saturation at 20 and 22 FSW With Direct Ascent: Data Report on Project 92-09". Naval Medical Research Institute Report Report. 02–01. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  • Hamilton, R. W. Jr.; E. D. Thalmann; D. J. Temple (2002). "Surface Decompression Diving: Data Report on Protocol 90-02". Naval Medical Research Institute Report Report. ADA455075. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  • Thalmann, E. D. (2003). "Suitability of the USN MK15(VVAL18) Decompression Algorithm for Air Diving". Navy Exp. Diving Unit Res. Report. 03–12. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)

Book chapters

  • Vann, R.D; E.D. Thalmann (1993). "Decompression Modeling and Physiology". In Bennett, P.B.; Elliott, D.H. (eds.). The Physiology and Medicine of Diving and Compressed Air Work (Fourth ed.). London: Bailliere Tindall. OCLC 2000230.
  • Thalmann, E.D., editor of Chapter 8: "Diving Medicine", in: U.S. Navy Diving Manual, Vol 1. 1984, 1993 revisions. Archived from the original on May 2, 2008. Retrieved March 15, 2008.
  • Invited Reviewer for: "Treatment of decompression sickness", Chapter 13. In: Edmonds, C.; Lowry, C.; Pennefather, J. (1992). Diving and Subaquatic Medicine (Third ed.). Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann. OCLC 24009565.
  • Thalmann, E.D. (1996). "Gas Physiology in Diving: Decompression". In Fregley, M.J.; C.M. Batteis (eds.). Handbook of Physiology, Section 4: Environmental Physiology Volume II. New York: The American Physiological Society. Oxford University Press. pp. 1012–1015.
  • Thalmann, E.D. (1997). "Diving Hazards". In Langley, R.L; McLymore, R.L.; Meggs, W.J.; Roberson, G.T. (eds.). Safety and Health in Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries. Rockville, MD: Government Institutes. OCLC 35750471.

References

  1. Southerland, D.G.; Butler, F.K. (2001). "The U.S. Navy Dive Computer". MTS/IEEE Oceans 2001. An Ocean Odyssey. Conference Proceedings (IEEE Cat. No.01CH37295). Vol. 2. pp. 900–904. doi:10.1109/OCEANS.2001.968236. ISBN 0-933957-28-9. S2CID 108869860.(subscription required)
  2. 1 2 3 "Ed Thalmann, M.D., Assistant Medical Director at DAN, Dies". Divers Alert Network. July 26, 2004. Retrieved October 24, 2012.
  3. Burkard, Tom. "Yearbook—Sayreville 1962", The South Amboy – Sayreville Times, April 20, 2002. Retrieved October 1, 2015.
  4. "Edward D. Thalmann Pledges Fraternity", The Central Jersey Home News, March 12, 1963. Accessed January 28, 2026, via Newspapers.com. "Edward D. Thalmann, son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward J. Thalman of 309 Midland Ave., South Amboy, is one of 13 pledges to Phi Kappa Theta fraternity at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, N.Y. Thalman, a graduate of Sayreville High School, is a member of the freshman football and wrestling teams."
  5. "In Memoriam". Rensselaer Magazine. Rensselaer Alumni Association. Winter 2004. Archived from the original on February 21, 2013.
  6. Butler, Frank K. (2001). "The U.S. Navy Decompression Computer". Undersea & Hyperbaric Medicine. 28 (4). Cochran Undersea Technology: 213–28. PMID 12153150. Archived from the original on July 7, 2006. Retrieved October 24, 2012.
  7. Anecdotal information provided by Thalmann's daughters.
  8. 1 2 Pianadosi, Claude (Fall 2004). "In Memoriam: Edward Deforest Thalmann, 1945–2004" (PDF). Duke Anesthesiology Alumnus. Duke University Department of Anesthesiology. p. 1. Archived from the original on June 12, 2007.
  9. Rausch, C.S. (August 31, 2004). "Letter from Commanding Officer, USS Maryland to Ms. Katherine N. Thalmann". Department of the Navy.