Archive/File: camps/dachau/staff/rascher.001
Last-Modified: 1994/06/22

"Report by SS-Untersturmfuehrer Rascher about intense cooling experiments
in Dachau concentration camps, 10 September 1942

The experimental subjects were placed in the water, dressed in complete
flying uniform, winter or summer combination, and with an aviator's
helmet. A life jacket made out of rubber kapok was to prevent
submerging. The experiments were carried out at water temperatures
varying from from 2.5 to 12 Centigrade. In one experimental series,
the occiput (brain stem) protruded above the water, while in another
series of experiments the occiput (brain stem) and back of the head
were submerged in water.

Electrical measurements gave low temperature readings of 26.4 in the
stomach and 26.5 in the rectum. Fatalities occurred only when the
brain stem and the back of the head were also chilled. Autopsies of
of such fatal cases always revealed large amounts of free blood, up
to one-half litter, in the cranial cavity." (TWC, 220)

                          Work Cited

   TWC. Trials of War Criminals Before the Nuernberg Military Tribunals - 
      Washington, U.S Govt. Print. Off., 1949-1953, Vol. I

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