Aeromedical Factors
Carbon Monoxide
Poisoning
Description: Carbon monoxide (a colorless, odorless
gas) replaces oxygen in the blood
Cause:
Result of exhaust fumes entering the cabin
Effects:
Headache, drowsiness, dizziness
Correction: Open air vents and close
heater
Hypoxia
Description: Insufficient oxygen in the
bloodstream
Cause:
Lower pressure at altitude causes oxygen deficiency in body
Effects:
Headache, drowsiness, dizziness, euphoria or belligerence
Impairs judgment, memory, and mental
ability
May
affect night vision at 5,000’ MSL
Usually causes problems above 12,000 – 15,000
MSL
Above 15,000 MSL causes tunnel vision, cyanosis and eventually unconsciousness
Correction: Use supplemental oxygen
or descend to a lower altitude
Description: Breathing in an increased volume of
air and disrupting the proper balance of 02 and CO2
Cause:
Usually brought on by stress, fear or anxiety
Effects:
Lightheadedness, suffocation, drowsiness, tingling of the
extremities
Causes uncordination, disorientation, muscle spasms
and eventually unconsciousness
Correction: Controlled breathing
(i.e. Breath slowly in a paper bag or hands)
Talk – slows breathing
Description: Inner ear sends incorrect spatial
information to the brain (loss of balance)
Cause:
Lack of visual cues, illusion, and distractions
Effect:
Dizziness, misleading sensations, disorientation
Correction: Watch and rely on
instruments, use outside visual cues if VMC
Cause:
Medication for illness, or illegal use
Effect:
Impaired physical and mental
abilities
Correction: DO NOT FLY
unless first consulting an Aviation Medical Examiner