Flight Physiology

Question 1

What is Dalton’s Law?

Answer 1

The total pressure in a container is the sum of the partial pressures of all the gasses in the container.

Question 2

What are the critical phases of flight?

Answer 2

Take off, taxi and landing.

Question 3

Who makes the final decision when deciding if a family member can accompany the patient during air transport?

Answer 3

Pilot

Question 4

Immediately following impact from an emergency landing, what should the critical care paramedic be prepared to do if the pilot is incapacitated?

Answer 4

Shut off the engine, fuel supply, on-board oxygen and main batteries.

Question 5

In flight a patient displays fever, tachycardia, tachypnea with crackles and central cyanosis. What do you expect to be the cause?

Answer 5

HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema)

Question 6

What is the term used for when a pilot can operate the aircraft by means of visibly seeing out of the aircraft, use visual cues and landmarks and the weather meets the minimum standards for safe operation?

Answer 6

Visual Flight Rules (VFR)

Question 7

When landing on sloped terrain which direction should you exit the aircraft?

Answer 7

Downhill side of the aircraft

Question 8

What is the predetermined point for flight personnel to meet after emergency egress of the aircraft?

Answer 8

Twelve o’clock if available

Question 9

List the stressors related to altitude.

Answer 9

• Hypoxia
• Barometric Pressure
• Fatigue
• Thermal Stress
• Dehydration

Question 10

List the stressors of flight.

Answer 10

• Noise
• Vibration
• G Forces
• Spatial Disorientation
• Flicker Vertigo

Question 11

What is the definition of Charles’ Law?

Answer 11

The volume of gas, held at a constant pressure, varies directly with the temperature of said gas.