Aeromedical Factors

appearance of the wound or its size, seek medical lung damage. Should vomiting occur, keep head below attention immediately. the hips to reduce the risks of aspiration. Monitor for breathing difficulties. Rinse out any material which • Inhalation—if respiratory symptoms develop, move enters the mouth until the taste is dissipated. away from the source of exposure and into fresh air in a position comfortable for breathing. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention. Dehydration and Heatstroke Dehydration is the term given to a critical loss of water from • Ingestion—first aid is not normally required; however, the body. Causes of dehydration are hot flight decks and if swallowed and symptoms develop, seek medical flight lines, wind, humidity, and diuretic drinks—coffee, tea, attention. alcohol, and caffeinated soft drinks. Some common signs of dehydration are headache, fatigue, cramps, sleepiness, and Engine Oil dizziness. • Eye Contact—immediately flush the eyes with clean water and seek medical attention if irritation occurs. The first noticeable effect of dehydration is fatigue, which in turn makes top physical and mental performance difficult, • Skin Contact—remove all contaminated clothing and if not impossible. Flying for long periods in hot summer thoroughly cleanse the affected areas with soap and temperatures or at high altitudes increases the susceptibility water. Launder contaminated clothing before reuse. to dehydration because these conditions tend to increase the • Inhalation—move away from the source of exposure rate of water loss from the body. and into fresh air. If respiratory irritation, dizziness, nausea, or unconsciousness occurs, seek immediate To help prevent dehydration, drink two to four quarts of medical attention. If breathing stops, assisted water every 24 hours. Since each person is physiologically ventilation is required via a bag-valve-mask or different, this is only a guide. Most people are aware of the cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). eight-glasses-a-day guide: If each glass of water is eight • Ingestion—seek immediate medical attention. If ounces, this equates to 64 ounces, which is two quarts. If immediate medical attention is not available, contact this fluid is not replaced, fatigue progresses to dizziness, a regional poison control center or emergency medical weakness, nausea, tingling of hands and feet, abdominal professional regarding the induction of vomiting or cramps, and extreme thirst. use of activated charcoal. Vomiting should never be induced to a person who is groggy or unconscious. The key for pilots is to be continually aware of their condition. Most people become thirsty with a 1.5 quart deficit or a loss Fuel of 2 percent of total body weight. This level of dehydration triggers the “thirst mechanism.” The problem is that the thirst • Eye Contact—immediately flush the eyes with mechanism arrives too late and is turned off too easily. A clean water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical small amount of fluid in the mouth turns this mechanism off attention immediately. and the replacement of needed body fluid is delayed. • Skin Contact—remove all contaminated clothing and thoroughly cleanse the affected areas with mild Other steps to prevent dehydration include: soap and water or a waterless hand cleaner. If skin • Carrying a container in order to measure daily water surface is damaged, apply a clean dressing and seek intake. medical attention. If irritation or redness develops, • Staying ahead—not relying on the thirst sensation as seek medical attention. Launder contaminated clothing an alarm. If plain water is not preferred, add some before reuse. sport drink flavoring to make it more acceptable. • Inhalation—move away from the source of exposure • Limiting daily intake of caffeine and alcohol (both are and into fresh air. If breathing stops, assisted diuretics and stimulate increased production of urine). ventilation is required via a bag-valve-mask or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Once breathing Heatstroke is a condition caused by any inability of the body is restored, the use of additional oxygen may be to control its temperature. Onset of this condition may be necessary. Seek medical attention immediately. recognized by the symptoms of dehydration, but also has • Ingestion—seek immediate medical attention. Do not been known to be recognized only upon complete collapse. induce vomiting or take anything by mouth as this may cause the material to enter the lungs and cause severe 17-14