High Altitudes and Hypoxia

Thus, anyone who ventures above the altitude of 10,000 feet runs the peril of becoming hypoxic (Green, 1984, p. 417).

In general, it is the central nervous system (CNS) which is close to dramatically affected by hypoxia. In addition, respiration whitethorn also be stimulated. This compensatory mechanism often results in hyperventilation. Associated hyperventilation may actually accentuate the CNS problems of hypoxia. The amount of group O certain by the brain sees not only on how frequently oxygen is in the blood, but also on how frequently blood is flowing through the brain's capillaries. Hyperventilation acts to reduce arterial incomplete pressures of carbon dioxide (PCO2). This reduction in PCO2 triggers an automatic reduction in blood flow through the brain. Thus, with hypoxia and hyperventilation, blood which has minimal oxygen content is further restricted from circulating to the brain (Ernsting, 1984, p. 408).

The make of hypoxia tend to vary from one individual to the next. The rate at which the symptoms develop, as well as their overall severity, generally depend upon a person's degree of exposure to a hypoxic environment (Harding & Mills, 1983, p. 1410). At the typical cruising altitudes of commercial aircraft (between 30,000 and 40,000 feet), for example, unprotected aircraft flight

Overall, in order to avoid problems with hypoxia during high altitude flight, lead rules must be followed. The first is that flight crews should receive initial and refresher training on the condition. Ideally, this training should include individual(prenominal) experience of hypoxia in a hypobaric chamber. Secondly, aircraft should be equipped with ratified and properly maintained oxygen equipment. Lastly, flight crews should be exhaustively familiar with the equipment (Ernsting, 1984, pp. 409410).

Brooks, C. J. (1987, March). Loss of cabin pressure in Canadian Forces transport aircraft, 19631984. Aviation Space and environmental Medicine, 58, 268275.

Due to advances in research and technology, the safety of commercial aviation continues to increase.

It is now safer to act by commercial aircraft than by automobile. Such progress has vex about only by thoroughly evaluating every guess involved. Obviously, hypoxia is one such risk that can be controlled.

Martin holy personLaurent, A.; Lavernhe, J.; Casano, G.; Simkoff, A. (1990, March). Clinical aspects of inflight incapacitations in commercial aviation. Aviation Space and Environmental Medicine, 61, 256260.

Bahrke, M. S.; ShukittHale, B. (1993, August). Effects of altitude on mood, behavior, and cognitive functioning. A review. Sports Medicine, 16, 97125.

In general, altitudes above 12,000 feet have a negative way out on human health. Moreover, above 14,000 feet, CNS function may to be substantially altered. Furthermore, it is widely believed that below 10,000 feet psychomotor doing is not impaired. However, McFarland demonstrated significant impairment of immediate retrospection at altitudes between 6,000 and 8,000 feet. The learning of complex mental tasks may therefore be slower even at relatively low altitudes (Bahrke & ShukittHale, 1993, p. 100).

Hypoxia can be prevented simply by the government of oxygen. In commercial aircraft, each passenger is
Order your essay at Orderessay and get a 100% original and high-quality custom paper within the required time frame.