Aeromedical Factors

Fatigue Chronic fatigue, extending over a long period of time, usually Fatigue is frequently associated with pilot error. Some of has psychological roots, although an underlying disease is the effects of fatigue include degradation of attention and sometimes responsible. Continuous high-stress levels produce concentration, impaired coordination, and decreased ability chronic fatigue. Chronic fatigue is not relieved by proper diet to communicate. These factors seriously influence the and adequate rest and sleep and usually requires treatment ability to make effective decisions. Physical fatigue results by a physician. An individual may experience this condition from sleep loss, exercise, or physical work. Factors such as in the form of weakness, tiredness, palpitations of the heart, stress and prolonged performance of cognitive work result breathlessness, headaches, or irritability. Sometimes chronic in mental fatigue. fatigue even creates stomach or intestinal problems and generalized aches and pains throughout the body. When the Like stress, fatigue falls into two broad categories: acute condition becomes serious enough, it leads to emotional illness. and chronic. Acute fatigue is short term and is a normal occurrence in everyday living. It is the kind of tiredness If suffering from acute fatigue, stay on the ground. If fatigue people feel after a period of strenuous effort, excitement, or occurs in the flight deck, no amount of training or experience lack of sleep. Rest after exertion and 8 hours of sound sleep can overcome the detrimental effects. Getting adequate rest ordinarily cures this condition. is the only way to prevent fatigue from occurring. Avoid flying without a full night’s rest, after working excessive A special type of acute fatigue is skill fatigue. This type of hours, or after an especially exhausting or stressful day. Pilots fatigue has two main effects on performance: who suspect they are suffering from chronic fatigue should consult a physician. • Timing disruption—appearing to perform a task as usual, but the timing of each component is slightly off. Exposure to Chemicals This makes the pattern of the operation less smooth When conducting preflight and post-flight inspections, pilots because the pilot performs each component as though it must verify that the fluid levels in their aircraft meet the were separate, instead of part of an integrated activity. levels specified for safe operations as stated in the Pilot's • Disruption of the perceptual field—concentrating Operating Handbook. These fluids include, but are not limited attention upon movements or objects in the center of to hydraulic fluid, engine oil, and fuel. vision and neglecting those in the periphery. This is accompanied by loss of accuracy and smoothness in It is important that every pilot recognize the potential hazards control movements. of working with these fluids as well as the recommended first aid measures to follow should any of these fluids come in Acute fatigue has many causes, but the following are among contact with their eyes, skin, and/or respiratory system. As the most important for the pilot: the specific first aid measures for dealing with exposure to these chemicals can vary by chemical type, it is important that • Mild hypoxia (oxygen deficiency) every pilot be familiar with the location and use of the Material • Physical stress Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for each chemical they encounter. • Psychological stress The procedures described in the following sections are • Depletion of physical energy resulting from minimum guideline for first aid for each of the indicated psychological stress scenarios. Ultimately, the pilot should consult the MSDS • Sustained psychological stress for first aid procedures specific to the type of chemical and exposure scenario. Sustained psychological stress accelerates the glandular secretions that prepare the body for quick reactions during Hydraulic Fluid an emergency. These secretions make the circulatory and respiratory systems work harder, and the liver releases energy • Eye Contact—immediately flush the eyes with clean to provide the extra fuel needed for brain and muscle work. water and seek medical attention if irritation occurs. When this reserve energy supply is depleted, the body lapses • Skin Contact—remove all contaminated clothing and into generalized and severe fatigue. thoroughly cleanse the affected areas with mild soap and water or a waterless hand cleaner. If irritation or Acute fatigue can be prevented by proper diet and adequate redness develops and persists, seek medical attention. rest and sleep. A well-balanced diet prevents the body from Should the hydraulic fluid get into or under the skin, needing to consume its own tissues as an energy source. or into any other part of the body, regardless of the Adequate rest maintains the body’s store of vital energy. 17-13