AEROMED Study

Question 1

Exogenous Factors Defined

Answer 1

Aircrew members receiving any substance or procedure likely to provoke an adverse systemic reaction shall be restricted from flying duties until declared fit by a Flight Surgeon.

Question 2

12 hour Exogenous Factors

Answer 2

Alcohol
Immunizations
Altitude chamber (low press alt. chamber flights regardless of alt.)

Question 3

24 hour Exogenous Factors

Answer 3

Antihistamines or barbiturates

Scuba Diving

Question 4

72 hour Exogenous Factors

Answer 4

Mood ameliorating, tranquilizing, or ataraxic drugs
Blood donation (200cc or more)

Question 5

Are contact lenses allowed for aircrew members to wear at any time?

Answer 5

no

Question 6

Define Stress:

Answer 6

The nonspecific response of the body to any demand placed upon it. Stress is a physiological phenomenon involving actual changes in the body’s chemistry and function, which involves some perceived or actual demand for action.

Question 7

What is a stressor?

Answer 7

any stimulus or event that requires an individual to adjust or adapt in some way. (PEP-C)
Psychosocial: life events (job, illness, family issues)
Environmental: altitude, speed, night/IMC, aircraft design/characteristics
Physiological: Self Imposed (IPDEAH)
IllnessPhysicalDrugsExhaustionAlcoholTobacco *Hypoglycemia: one perceives a given situation or problem is a potentially significant and frequently overlooked source of stress.

Question 8

How to avoid stressors?

Answer 8

good planning
foresight
realistic training
good time management
effective problem solving
physical fitness
nutrition

Question 9

Define Fatigue:

Answer 9

prolonged mental or physical work, extended periods of anxiety, exposure to harsh environments, or loss of sleep.
Types of fatigue: acute, chronic, motivational burnout

Question 10

what are the 3 types of fatigue?

Answer 10

Acute: physical or mental activity between 2 sleep cycles
Chronic: result of inadequate recovery from successive periods of acute fatigue
Motivational Burnout: chronic fatigue proceeds untreated for too long, eventually “shut down” and burnout will occur

Question 11

Define Hypoxia:

Answer 11

when the body lacks oxygen.

- either diminish the ability of the blood to absorb oxygen or reduce the body’s tolerance to hypoxia

Question 12

What are the 4 types of hypoxia?

Answer 12

Hypoxic Hypoxia: no enough O2 in the air when decreasing atmospheric pressures prevent the diffusion of O2 from the lungs to the bloodstream. (encounter at altitude)
Hypemic Hypoxia: anemic; reduction in the O2 carrying capacity of the blood. (anemia and blood loss)
Stagnant Hypoxia: inadequate circulation; (High G’s, heart failure, arterial spasm)
Histotoxic Hypoxia: interference with the use of O2 by body tissue; (alcohol, narcotics, poisons)

Question 13

What are the stages of Hypoxia?

Answer 13

Indifferent Stage: 0-10,000ft; mild hypoxia, night vision deteriorates at 4000ft
Compensatory Stage:10,000-15,000ft; circulatory and respiratory system provide some defense against hypoxia at this stage. may be difficult to do simple tasks requiring alertness or moderate muscular coordination.
Disturbance Stage: 15,000-20,000ft; physiological response can no longer compensate for the O2 deficiency. Vision impared, diminished, touch and pain sensations diminished, hearing last to do.
Critical Stage: >20,000ft; w/in 3-5 minutes, judgement, coordination deteriorate, mental confusion, dizziness, incapacitation, unconsciousness occur.

Question 14

How to prevent Hypoxia:

Answer 14

ensure sufficient O2 available
limit time at altitude
pressurize cabin

Question 15

Toxic hazards in aviation?

Answer 15

Carbon Monoxide: most common gaseous poison in aviation. interferes with uptake of O2 in blood - hypemic hypoxia.