Hyperventilation & Hypoxia Flashcards
What does hyperventilation mean?
Hyperventilation means over breathing in or breathing out at a rate in excess of that required, to remove carbon dioxide
What happens to the breathing rate when the brain detects a rise in C02?
Increase the breathing rate to reduce level of C02 in the blood
If we suffer from some psychological distress such as fear we may start too breath too quickly this will result the blood to become?
Alkaline
Can hypoxia cause hyperventilation?
Yes
What are some signs and symptoms of hypoxia?
Tingling Stiffening/spasm Visual disturbances Hot or cold feelings Anxiety Impaired performance Loss of consciousness
At what altitude should you give hypoxia the benefit of the doubt? And what should you do to cure?
At altitudes above 10,000ft you should give hypoxia the benefit of the doubt and should use oxygen and/or reduce altitude immediately.
In relation to someone suffering from hyperventilation in altitudes less than 10,000ft you should?
Try and relax.
Concentrate on breathing slowly.
Breathe in and out of a paper bag.
You’re doing great keep going
You got this
What is hypoxia?
Hypoxia is term used to describe when there is insufficient amounts of oxygen to the to the tissues or in other words lack of oxygen
What are some classifications of hypoxia?
Hypoxic hypoxia (main concern for pilots)
Anaemic or Hypemic Hypoxia
Stagnant Hypoxia
Histotoxic Hypoxia
What is Hypemic Hypoxia?
This type of hypoxia occurs when there is a decrease in red blood cells (RBCs) available for 02 transport.
What is Hypoxic Hypoxia?
Hypoxia is a condition due to insufficient oxygenation of the blood at the lungs due to decreased partial pressure of oxygen in the alveoli. This is because the oxygen returning to the heart from the lungs contains insufficient amounts of 02 for the tissues
What is stagnant hypoxia?
This condition occurs when there are heart or circulatory problems. Blood may have normal haemoglobin and oxygen levels but poor circulation results in less oxygen reaching the tissues.
At what altitudes (multiple) does the affect of hypoxia become noticeable?
- At 8,000ft its possible to observe signs of mental impairment.
- At about 14,000 ft with no oxygen performance may be poor
- By 18,000 ft the PP02 is about half of the of sea level and some people may be unconscious.
Are smokers more at risk of hypoxia?
Yes, people who smoke will have less oxygen, circulation through their body system due to haemoglobin rather carry carbon monoxide than oxygen.
Classical signs and symptoms of hypoxia?
- Euphoria and personality change.
- Muscular impairment
- Memory impairment, short term memory is lost early
- Impaired judgement
- Cyanosis, skin becomes pale and the finger nail beds, lips and ears become blueish
- Impairment of consciousness
What is time of useful consciousness (TUC)?
This refers to the time available for the pilot to recognise the development of hypoxia and do something about it. This time doesn’t meant to loss of consciousness but rather the amount of time the pilot has before the pilot can no longer take the necessary steps to help himself.
What is the time period of TUC?
This time period is typically
- 30mins at 18,000 ft
- 2-3 mins at 25,000ft
- 45-75 seconds at 30,000ft
- 20-30 seconds at 40,000ft
- 12 -15 seconds at 45,000ft
For the pilot to protect himself and keep himself away from suffering from hypoxia the pilot should be aware of?
- Altitude, the greater the altitude the greater the hypoxia and more rapid of progression meaning less TUC.
- Time, The longer the time the greater the effects
- Exercise, altitude increases the demand for oxygen, the healthier the pilot the slightly less susceptible he is to hypoxia.
- Cold, makes it necessary for the body to generate more energy to keep the body warms, which requires more oxygen and hence increases risk of hypoxia
- Illness – increases the energy demands of body, increases oxygen, increases risk of hypoxia
- fatigue
- stress
- drugs and alcohol
- smoking
- g force exposure, high g reduces circulation and cardiac efficiency
Methods of dealing with hypoxia?
- Provide an adequate supply of oxygen
- Descend immediately
What is high decompression?
Rapid decrease in pressure due to loss of pressurization
Symptoms of slow decompression?
Slow decompression passengers and/ or pilots may not notice. But progressive symptoms are such as drowsiness, yawning, euphoria, sleep, unconsciousness, coma and eventually death.
What are the actions that should be made when decompression symptoms are beginning to exist?
- Put on oxygen mask
- Emergency descent
What altitude are you at risk of night Hypoxia?
4,000ft
