010: EPICC Review Week 4: Flight Stressors - Hypoxia

Stressors of Flight

• Hypoxia

• Pressure Changes

• Thermal Changes

• Vibration

• Dehydration

• Noise

• Fatigue

• G-Forces

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Hypoxia

• 4-Types

  • Hypoxic Hypoxia (Altitude Hypoxia)

    • Alveolar O2 Pressure / Concentration Deficiency

      • Altitude

      • Inadequate supply to meet demands

  • Hypemic Hypoxia

    • O2 carrying deficiency

      • Blood Loss

      • Anemia

      • Hemoglobin Abnormalities (Sickle Cell)

      • Carbon Monoxide

  • Stagnant - Blood Flow Deficiency

    • Heart Failure

    • Distributive Shock (Blood Pooling)

    • Compartment Syndrome

    • Prolonged Inactivity

    • Cold extremities

  • Histotoxic - O2 Usage Problem

    • Hemoglobin can’t onload oxygen, or utilized oxygen

      • Cyanide Poisoning (Nitroprusside)

        • Mitochondria unable to utilize oxygen

      • CO

        • Smoking

        • Poorly vented aircraft exhaust

Rules and Regulations

Use of oxygen by crew member and pilots

• Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) - Chapter 8

  • PIlots must utilize oxygen at altitudes between 12,500 - 14,000 fee for greater than 30 minutes, and at anytime above 14,000 ft.

• FAA 14 CFR Part 135.89

  • Unpressurized aircraft - Pilot shall use oxygen continuously when flying above 10,000 through 12,000 feet MSL for greater than 30 minutes, or any time above 12,000 feet.

• CAMTS 11th edition

  • Pilots must utilize oxygen when flying above 9,000 feet MSL for greater than 30 minutes.

References

1. FAA Airman Education Programs - Beware of Hypoxia by Larry Boshers

2. CAMTS 11th edition Standards

3. Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM)

4. FAA 14 CFR Part 135

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