Oxygen Systems Introduction Flashcards
What are three major effects of altitude on the human body?
1) Hypoxia - the deprivation of adequate oxygen supply in the body
2) Decompression Illness (Altitude Sickness) - Dissolved gases form bubbles in the blood due to decrease external pressure
3) Middle Ear Imbalance - Equalization of pressure on either side of the eardrum is blocked
What are the percentage volume of gases that make up the earth’s atmosphere?
78% nitrogen
21% oxygen
1% other gases
What occurs to pressure as altitude increases?
Decreases
What does Boyle’s Law state?
If volume increases, then pressure decreases (Constant Temperature)
What does Charles Law mean?
Volume is proportional to temperature at constant pressure
What is Dalton’s Law?
Total pressure of a mixture of gases is the sum of the partial pressure of each of the gases.
What is Graham’s Law?
Gas will defuse through a membrane from high to low pressure
What is Henry’s Law?
The weight of gas in solution is proportional to the partial pressure of the gas above the liquid
What occurs in the body at a height of 63,000 feet?
All body fluids will bubble off
What is the condition of hypoxia?
Oxygen concentration in the tissues is less than normal
As the aircraft climbs, what are some hypoxia conditions that can occur?
- Air pressure and density decreasing
- Lower mass of oxygen taken into the lungs
- Less oxygen spread over alveoli membranes into bloodstream
What is the risk of rapid rates of ascent?
Higher altitudes can be reached, leading to unconsciousness before the onset of any of the systems of hypoxia manifest.
What are some symptoms of hypoxia?
- Giddiness
- Clumsiness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Faulty Judgement
What is time of useful consciousness at 18,000 feet?
30 mins
What is time of useful consciousness at 25,000 ft?
3 mins
What is time of useful consciousness at 40,000 ft?
15 seconds
What is a pressure loss called that occurs within seconds?
Rapid Decompression
What is a pressure loss called that occurs within milliseconds?
Explosive Decompression
What are four distinct forms of decompression illness?
1. Bends (joint problems) 2 Creeps (skin manifestations) 3. Chokes (Respiratory functions) 4. Staggers (Nervous system effects)
What is middle ear imbalance?
When equalization of pressure on either side of the eardrum is blocked by a cold or similar infection
What health issues can cause middle ear imbalance?
- Common cold
- Hay fever
- Sinusitis
- Tonsilitis
How can blocked ears be cleared?
- Holding your nose and blowing hard
- Chewing
- Swallowing
- Yawning
Does middle ear imbalance occur on ascent or descent?
Descent
What are three things an oxygen system should provide?
- Storage
- Distribution
- Regulation of Oxygen
