AvMed Flashcards
By how much does gas expand at 6000ft?
30%
Where does gas expand?
In the hollow cavaties of our body (the sinuses, ears, stomach, dental work etc.)
If the expanded gas cannot escape what happens?
The affected area will swell, block and possibly be damaged.
What is barotrauma?
Physical damage to body tissues caused by a difference in pressure between gas space inside, or in contact with the body and surrounding gas or fluid.
How much does gas expand by at 6000ft
30%
Where does air expand in our bodies?
The hollow cavaties of our body- the ears, sinuses, stomach, recent dental work etc.
What is barotrauma?
Physical damage to body tissues caused by a difference in pressure between gas space inside, or in contact with the body and the surrounding gas or liquid.
How is barotrauma in the ear created?
When atmospheric pressure outside the air increases and the air in the middle of the ear remains the same- thus causing the ear drum to be pushed inwards and become distorted.
How can you relieve ear ache?
Swallowing, chewing, or yawning
What is the Valsalvar manoeuvre?
A short forceful expiration against a pinched nose and closed mouth.
How can infants relieve symptoms of ear ache?
Feeding or sucking a dummy
If an individual cannot perfom the valsalvar manouvre on the ground should they fly?
No, because pain and injury may result from the inability to equalise pressure differences.
Where are the sinuses situated?
Above they eyes, in the cheeks, and at the back of the nose.
What are the sinuses?
A group of hollow spaces that open out into the nose and back of the throat.
what are the signs of hypoxia?
- Agitated behaviour
- Confusion/drowsiness
- Slurred speech
- Impaired vision
- Abnormal pulse and breathing rates
- Greying or pale skin
- Blue tinge to extremities (cyanosis)
What are the steps to treating hypoxia?
- Administer PO at 4000L p/m
- Call MedLink
- Monitor pulse and breathing rate every 10 minutes
- Complete IIOR and investigate the cause.
How quickly are the signs of hypoxia reversed after administering PO?
15 seconds
Where does pressure inside the ear usually exit?
Eustachian tube
Why may having a cold and flying cause pain to the sinuses?
If they are blocked and air gets trapped inside them this can cause pain and even sinus trauma.
Why is dehydration more common when flying?
At altitude the air is drier.
What are some of the causes of dehydration?
Vomitting
Diarrhoea
Temperature
Heat exhaustion
Alcohol consumption
What are the signs and symptoms of dehydration?
Thirst
Headache
Tiredness
Dry mouth, lips and eyes
Concentrated urine
Passing small amounts of urine less often than usual
What is renal colic?
Kidney stones
What is the role of the kidney?
To filter waste products from the blood
What are the causes of renal colic?
Dehydration
High protein, low fibre diet
Long periods of inactivity
Several urine/kidney infections
Known family history
What are the signs and symptoms of renal colic?
Severe pain which comes and goes
Pain in the side of your abdomen/groin
High temperature
Feeling sweaty
Nausea/vomitting
Blood in urine
Possible signs of shock
How to treat renal colic…
Encourage causalty to drink lots of water
Offer appropriate pain relief
if pain severe of causalty worsening call MedLink
Treat for shock
Complete an OR
Make PA for MQV