Hypoxic Hypoxia Simulator

[TaIk2Kevin]

Does anyone know of a Course or a place you can go to do a Pressure Chamber to feel the Effects of Hypoxia? An Instructor I had once mentioned that The FAA did a course/Class, But I cant remember. I would be interested in Checking it out In Real Life.

 

Thanks

-Kevin

[joker]

I believe there is a hyperbaric chamber in Melbourne, FL

 

More on this later when I get back from work!

 

Joker

[Superman]

FAA website has a list of locations and the requirements to attend

 

http://www.faa.gov/pilots/training/airman_...ology/index.cfm

[joker]

Hypoxia is not all its cut out to be...can be a bit of a bummer, when you don't need it!

 

No seriously, as with many of these sorts of ailments, having experienced it myself, I can certainly say that if you don't know what you're looking for, it can creep up on you at the worst time.

 

Everyone is different, so what someone else says may not be the signs you should look for in yourself. It is insidious and in the same conditions one person may be more affected then the next.

 

If you have a chance to get in a chamber or to 'simulate' hypoxia another way then do it.

 

I didn't use a chamber to simulate it. I used my own fully-closed rebreather, kicked against a wall in a swimming pool, and simply didn't add O2 until I felt symptoms. Of course, I was being watched by a qualified doctor. *Don't try this at home!

 

If you can't get into a chamber, at least be very careful to learn the predisposing conditions (both physical and physiological) and symptoms AND WATCH FOR THEM during your flights.

 

While a chamber is good for the complete simulation of hypoxia, there are other experiences that the average person has during a life time which are similar (or the same) as the signs and symptoms of hypoxia. If you can remember those experiences, then you have a better chance of spotting the onset. Here's just 5 examples you might be able to relate to...

 

One symptom is one we have all felt - Pins and Needles!

Many of us will have been at high altitudes on a mountain, and experienced 'Altitude Sickness'.

Of course, we've all had headaches and dizziness at sometime.

Nitrogen Narcosis (for divers) manifests itself in similar ways as hypoxia.

We have all seen the blue lips of a person who is very cold or hypothermic. That's cyanosis.

 

 

HYPOXIA KILLS!

 

Well, probably nothing new for many people, but I thought I'd ramble on a little for the hell of it.

 

Joker

 

More Signs and Symptoms to watch for.

 

Rapid Breathing

Cyanosis

Poor Coordination

Lethargy/Lassitude

Executing Poor Judgement

Air Hunger

Dizziness

Headache

Mental and Muscle Fatigue

Nausea

Hot and Cold Flashes

Tingling

Visual Impairment

Euphoria

[Guest pokey]

More Signs and Symptoms to watch for.

 

Rapid Breathing

Cyanosis

Poor Coordination

Lethargy/Lassitude

Executing Poor Judgement

Air Hunger

Dizziness

Headache

Mental and Muscle Fatigue

Nausea

Hot and Cold Flashes

Tingling

Visual Impairment

Euphoria

 

 

 

Ummmm Joker? i went w/ a gal a few years back that gave me a good percentage of your listed "symptoms"

 

Do ya think its serious? and i whish i still had her addy

 

 

OH OH and BTW superman? great link ! i learned alot from it

[Superman]

Tell ya what Pokey...........Give me the name and phone number of the X-girlfriend, and we'll call it even!!!

[C of G]

Been to this place a few years back. Like most places they videotape and playback your goofiness. They will give you a few tests and check your response, like color and co-ordination. The test they gave me was to count backwards from 100 in increments of 7 (100; 93; 86; etc.) I told them I couldn't do that on my best day with a calculator, But a few got goofy fast, notably the smokers .

 

Brevard Regional Hyperbaric Center

1698 W Hibiscus Blvd, Melbourne, FL

(321) 676-3200

[TaIk2Kevin]

Wow, Thx for all the great Replys

-Kevin