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Abstract

In order to study relationships between acute mountain sickness (AMS) observations done both during a short-term hypoxic exposure in a hypobaric chamber, and in field conditions during a high altitude expedition, nine subjects were submitted to a 9-h hypoxic exposure in a hypobaric chamber. Then, they experienced a high altitude expedition in the Himalayas. The Lake Louise AMS scoring system was used to assess AMS in both conditions, especially the self report questionnaire. During the expedition, the mean self report score of each subject, defined as the ratio between the sum of daily self report scores and the duration of the expedition, appears to be correlated not only to the maximal self report score observed in altitude (r = +0.77, p > 0.05) but also to the self report and self report + clinical assessment scores observed at the end of the hypobaric chamber sojourn (r = +0.81, p > 0.01 and r = +0.75, p > 0.05, respectively). In conclusion, the Lake Louise AMS scoring system, especially the self report questionnaire, is relevant to assess AMS with simplicity and rapidity both in laboratory and in field conditions. Our study also suggests that AMS induced by a short term sojourn in a hypobaric chamber is related to AMS observed in field conditions.

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A comprehensive study of the effect of Head-Supported Devices (HSDs) on neck loading during helicopter accidents is presented. The new Articulated Total Body (ATB) model which treats the neck as a deformable segment was used for crash simulation. Different categories of human and manikin subjects were considered under several crash scenarios. Simulations were theoretically designed to include a wide range of HSDs by changing their weights and center of gravity (CG) locations relative to the head, and studying the effects of these changes. Since HSDs were only theoretically included in the model, detachment of specific detachable devices used in most military applications was not modeled in the study. Hence, two typical detachable devices were modeled and selected simulations were repeated and compared not only to provide a measure of accuracy for the original results but also to see the effect of separation of these devices from the helmet.

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Abstract

Fatigue is an insidious threat to aviation safety because of the impairments in alertness and performance it creates. The fatigue associated with sleep loss, shift work, and long duty cycles can cause aviators to become sloppy, inattentive, careless, and inefficient. The only cure for fatigue is adequate sleep; however, gaining sufficient amounts of sleep is often difficult because of work requirements, family demands, or poor sleep habits. Although it may not be possible to avoid some of these problems, pilots can improve their sleep habits and thus gain more restful and restorative sleep by using self-administered relaxation therapy, establishing consistent and soothing bedtime routines, and avoiding certain activities and substances immediately prior to sleep. When opportunities for adequate sleep are not available because of work-related factors, prophylactic naps can sustain performance until sleep is possible.

Abstract

Abstract

In recent years, aircraft manufacturers have been considering a very large airplane with a capacity of 600-1000 passengers. The human factors aspects of such an unprecedented enterprise demand that the aerospace medicine community take an active role early on in the design phase. Consequently, the Aerospace Medical Association formed an international task force to prepare a paper containing pertinent human factors recommendations for the manufacturers. This paper, including the recommendations herein, has been forwarded to Boeing and Airbus as well as to 50 major airlines of the world.