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Biomedical subjects

J Ernsting

Publications and source records attributed to J Ernsting.

12 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1978

Prevention of hypoxia--acceptable compromises.

The acceptable degree of hypoxia is a most important factor in the design of pressure cabins and of aircrew oxygen breathing equipment. The studies of the effects of mild hypoxia upon human performance performed since 1960 are reviewed. It is concluded that the hypoxia induced by breathing air at altitudes up to 5000 ft is acceptable for both crew and passengers of combat and passenger aircraft. The magnitude and the effects of the hypoxia induced by rapid decompression are also considered. The results of the experimental investigations are correlated and it is deduced that the minimum acceptable alveolar oxygen tension on rapid decompression is 30 mm Hg.

Aerospace Medicine↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Unconsciousness in flight and its prevention.

The physiological mechanism underlying two of the most potent causes of loss of consciousness in flight, viz. hypoxic hypoxia and exposure to rapid onset of high +GZ accelerations have been explored in this paper, using principally experimental work conducted at the Royal Air Force Institute of Aviation Medicine. The influence of the composition of the gas breathed before and after sudden decompression of the pressure cabin of an aircraft at high altitude has been described together with the physiological basis of the present standards for preventing disturbances of performance due to hypoxia following rapid decompression. The value and limitations of pressure breathing with oxygen at high pressures in preventing hypoxia on exposure to altitudes above 40,000 feet have been discussed together with the series of partial pressure suits used in the Royal Air Force. The mechanisms and occurrence of G-induced loss of consciousness in pilots of combat aircraft have been reviewed. The increasing likelihood of loss of consciousness due to G in new very agile combat aircraft is considered together with the limitations of the standard methods of enhancing G tolerance. The adoption and development of pressure breathing together with chest counterpressure and extended-cover G trousers which provide excellent protection against high levels of acceleration is described.

Acceleration↗