Aeromedical An Introduction

Pressure effects Ear and sinus What is the cause? How do we correct? Toothache Gastrointestinal Scuba- requirements?

Other Aeromedical factors Motion sickness Causes? Cure? Stress Causes? Bodily reactions? Good or Bad?

Aeromedical Ctn. Fatigue Causes- low sleep, exercise, exertion noise, heavy cognitive activity Noise- leads to fatigue, stress, and airsickness More than 5 hours a week without ear protection= significant haring loss in a few short years (tenitis)

Alcohol and Drugs Depressants- stomach medication, (incl. motion sickness) decongestants, allergy medication, Alcohol- most widely abused drug, and is absorbed directly into bloodstream

Alcohol ctn. Absorption rate and amount determines level of impairment and is determined by: –% of alcohol in drink –consumption rate –food eaten –body mass –length of time spent drinking

Alcohol ctn. FAR’s require: 8 hours between consumption and flying.04 BAC Most airlines require a 24 hour period between alcohol and flying Even a.01 BAC produces imparement

Alcohol ctn. Hangover effects can last 24 hours past heavy consumption

Pain Killers Over the counter pain killers are generally O.K. (aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen etc.) unless there is an allergy Prescription pain killers are almost always a no-go item (ask your DME)

Stimulants Stimulate the central nervous system Examples: caffeine, nicotine, appetite suppressants, fatigue reduction (no- doz) Can produce anxiety and mood swings Avoid when flying!

Other drugs Drugs and herbals (antibiotics, st. john’s wart etc.) not included in the previous can produce adverse effects on flight performance so check with your DME before flying. Illicit drugs- avoid altogether, airlines can trace 7 years past with hair samples

Exercise Get habits started early Effects of delaying exercise won’t be realized immediately but years later Smoking- Don’t start or quit

Aeromedical ctn. If your fitness for flight is ever in question, ground yourself- it’s required by the FAR’s

Questions?