Human Factors Flashcards
hypoxia defined
state of oxygen deficiency in the body that can impair brain
list 4 types of hypoxia
hypoxic
hypemic
stagnant
histotoxic
hypoxic hypoxia defined
insufficient oxygen available to (entire) body
hypemic hypoxia defined
blood unable to transport sufficient amount of oxygen to cells
stagnant hypoxia
oxygen-rich blood in lungs is not moving
histo-toxic hypoxia
inability of cells to effectively use oxygen
hypoxia symptoms can occur as low as
5000 ft
hypoxia 12,000 - 15,000 feet impairments in areas of:
physical/emotional symptoms:
judgment, memory, altertness, coordination, ability to make calculations
headache, drowsiness, euphoria, belligerence
factors which increase hypoxia risk
CO from smoking/exhaust
anemia
medicines
alcohol
body needs more oxygen if extremely hot, cold, has fever, or anxious
3 ways to avoid hypoxia
enrich air with oxygen from appropriate oxygen system
maintain safe cabin pressure altitude
use pulse oximeter
hyperventilation defined
why is CO2 needed?
increase in breathing resulting in significant decrease in carbon dioxide in blood
CO2 is needed to regulate breathing
hyperventilation symptoms
lightheaded suffocation drowsiness tingling coolness incapacitation disorientation muscle spasms
hyperventilation is reversed by
normal breathing
breathe in/out of paper bag
What is an “ear block”?
what does it cause?
air in middle ear pushes open Eustachian tube to nasal passages during climb but doesn’t do that during descent
severe pain and loss of hearing for hours to days
“Ear block” is prevented by
swallowing
yawning
tensing throat
Valsalva maneuver - close mouth, pinch nose, blow through nostril
Avoid flying with upper respiratory infection or nasal allergies
What is spatial disorientation?
awareness of orientation of aircraft and oneself in relation to known reference point
Spatial disorientation is caused by 3 main sensory areas:
Visual
Vestibular - sensing system of inner ear
Postural - nerves in skin, joints, muscles of body
What causes motion sickness?
continuous stimulation of inner ear which controls balance
Symptoms of spatial disorientation?
desire for food is lost saliva collects in mouth perspiration nauseous vomitting incapacitation
Actions to take if pilot or passenger has motion sicknesss
open up air vents loosen clothing supplemental oxygen keep eyes on one point outside of the aircraft avoid moving head cancel flight and land
What is carbon monoxide poisoning?
carbon monoxide is breathed and it reduces the ability of blood to carry oxygen. CO causes hypoxia
What is CO?
colorless, odorless, tasteless gas contained in exhaust fumes
CO poisoning symptoms
headache
drowsiness
dizziness
CO poisoning caused by
heaters used with exhaust gas fumes escaping through manifold cracks
Steps if CO poisoning suspected
turn off heater
open vents
land
Effects from scuba diving
Body needs time to rid itself of excess nitrogen
Decompression sickness can occur if (even) low altitude is encountered
Up to 8,000 feet (actual not cabin as decompression is a risk)
- Wait 12 hours if no controlled ascent required
- Wait 24 hours if controlled ascent was required
Above 8,000 feet
-Wait 24 hours for any dive
OTC cold medicine is to be avoided because…
changes in atmospheric pressure can cause impaired judgment and performance
