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Biomedical subjects

G J Salazar

Publications and source records attributed to G J Salazar.

4 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1999

A bloodborne pathogen program in civilian aircraft accident investigation.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) amended 29 CFR Part 1910 in 1991 to include regulations addressing occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens (BBP). The rule affects all employees that have the potential for occupational exposure to these pathogens. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are the primary organizations involved in aircraft accident investigation in the United States. No other organizations in this country have a similar scope or mandate of responsibility. An accident scene presents significant challenges in terms of implementing a program which was primarily envisioned to affect personnel in "traditional" healthcare delivery facilities; the OSHA requirements now had to be met in the chaotic, inhospitable, and logistically difficult environment of an aircraft accident site. Unanticipated issues such as heat-related conditions, performance of physically demanding work in cumbersome gear, biohazard trash disposal from remote sites, and a host of other problems had to be dealt with. The FAA, in close cooperation with other Federal agencies, developed a training and administrative program to meet the requirements of the OSHA BBP rule as it relates to the unique environment of an aircraft accident site. The program has been implemented and successfully tested under actual field conditions at several major aviation accidents that have occurred recently. This article provides observations on the FAA's program and lessons learned from its implementation.

Accidents, Aviation↗
PubMed1994

Hyperopic thermal keratoplasty procedure in a civilian air traffic controller.

Hyperopic thermal keratoplasty (HTK), also referred to as radial thermokeratoplasty, is one of several refractive surgery procedures in use to correct significant visual acuity problems. The current procedure was developed in the farmer Soviet Union, and was first performed in the U.S. in the early 1980's. The thermocoagulating unit used for the surgery is still considered an experimental device by the Food and Drug Administration, and as such requires a device exemption permit from that Agency for its use. The unit is used to coagulate corneal protein, which alters the shape of the cornea and hence its refractive power. No well-controlled series of patients followed over time exists to conclusively state the pros and cons of the procedure. Excimer laser surgery has been recently used as a substitute for the thermocoagulator, but experience is also limited. Lasers, nevertheless, show great promise for use in this procedure. While HTK has been shown to correct hyperopia, significant sequelae have been documented with the procedure; they have included unstable visual acuity, under- and overcorrection of acuity, damage to the cornea, and scarring. These sequelae may present a problem for individuals involved in aviation, where issues of visual acuity are critical. It is important to identify such individuals and monitor their vision status carefully prior to return to safety related duties.

Adult↗