Hypoxie d'altitude: Pour les AMET AUSSI !

Effects of Altitude-Related Hypoxia on Aircrews in Aircraft With Unpressurized Cabins

Nishi S. Military Medicine, 176, 1:79, 2011

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La prise en charge de blessés en altitude ajoute à l'hémorragie le problème de l'hypoxie liée à la baisse de la PAO2 par baisse de la pression barométrique. Ceci joue aussi pour les sauveteurs, dès 1500 m,  dont la performance peut être moindre avec une réduction de la capcité de concentration et une baisse d'acuité visuelle marquée à partir de 3000 m. Cela peut être le cas des équipes AMET dès lors que les cabines ne sont pas pressurisées

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Introduction: Generally, hypoxia at less than 10,000 ft (3,048 m) has no apparent effect on aircrews. Nevertheless, several hypoxic incidents have been reported in flights below 10,000 ft. A recently introduced pulse oximeter using finger probes allows accurate monitoring of oxygen saturation (SPO 2 ) in the aeromedical environment. Using such a pulse oximeter, inflight SPO 2 levels were evaluated in aircrew in unpressurized aircraft. In addition, career in- flight hypoxic experiences were surveyed.

Methods: In-fl ight SPO 2 was measured in aircrews operating UH-60J helicopters at up to 13,000 ft, and 338 aircrew members operating unpressurized cabin aircraft were surveyed concerning possible in-fl ight hypoxic experiences.

Results: In aircrews operating UH-60J helicopters, SPO 2 decreased significantly at altitudes over 5,000 ft, most markedly at 13,000 ft (vs. ground level). The survey identified three aircrew members with experiences suggesting hypoxemia at below 5,000 ft.

Conclusions: Careful attention should be paid to the possibility of hypoxia in aircrews operating unpressurized cabin aircraft.