While the larger aviation industry awaits abatement of the COVID-19 pandemic to take to the skies again, humanitarian and commercial repatriation flights continue. However, South-east Asia and the Americas continue to see rising numbers of new COVID-19 cases, and some other parts around the world where the spread of the disease was under control have …
Category: Health
Medical Incidents in Air: Cabin Crew reports…
Increase in volume of airline passenger traffic is leading to an increase in number of in-flight medical incidents [1, 2]. A large number of such incidents are, in fact, “identified, managed and documented by cabin crew without the involvement of medically trained persons” [3]. Common in-flight medical conditions are fainting or syncope (incidence 10-53.5%); gastrointestinal …
Flying into thin Air: Understanding Hypoxia
Undoubtedly cabin pressurisation and oxygen systems have allowed unhindered aviation activities, with a caveat though – never to cross the altitude beyond the capabilities of the system on board. Thus, commercial aircraft fly maintaining a cabin pressure of 6000-8000 ft, and unpressurised small aircraft mostly operate below 10000 ft. Combat aircraft may have a higher …
Flying into Thin Air: Neurological Effects of Hypoxia
The most important effects of hypoxia is on Central Nervous System (CNS) and vision. This insult to CNS which affects the performance in flight varies as per the altitude and the resulting stages of hypoxia. The effects are discussed as per the stages of hypoxia.
Flying into Thin Air: Preventing Hypoxia
Technological improvements in reliability and performance of cabin pressurisation and Oxygen delivery systems has greatly reduced the incidents and accidents due to hypoxia. Yet, incidence of hypoxia in flight still occurs due to lack of vigilance, mechanical failure of equipment, improper indoctrination or improper use of oxygen equipment.