Types of Hypoxia
This type is caused by poor blood circulation
what is stagnant hypoxia
At 16,000' a pilot says "This flight is going GREAT" but skips checklist items
what is euphoria
True or false: My TUC at a certain altitude is 3 minutes. That means I have 3 minutes to think clearly
False, mental performance starts to degrade immediately
A pressurization system maintains cabin pressure but the bleed air source becomes contaminated. Pilots feel headache and confusion at normal cabin altitude
What is carbon monoxide or contaminated air causing hypemic hypoxia
Name two “invisible” sneaky factors that can worsen hypoxia besides altitude.
fatigue, food, hydration, illness, alcohol, smoking ect.
A pilot has several drinks the night before. At 8,000' they show signs of hypoxia sooner than expected even though oxygen is available and circulation is normal
what is histotoxic hypoxia
A pilot keeps turning the heading bug the wrong direction and can’t follow simple ATC instructions.
what is impaired jugement/confusion
True or False: FAA charts show an average TUC for specific altitudes. My TUC will be the same as what is shown on the charts
False, outside factors (drugs, sleep) can impact your personal TUC
Why can anxiety during an emergency worsen hypoxia
Because hyperventilation disrupts oxygen/CO₂ balance and worsens symptoms.
This common stimulant can mask fatigue but increases oxygen demand and can make hypoxia symptoms more noticeable once it wears off.
caffeine
A pilot with anemia develops hypoxic symptoms faster than other pilots in the plane
what is hypemic hypoxia
Which symptom often becomes severe right before loss of consciousness
what is drowsiness/sleepy/fatigue/mental collapse
True or false: If I feel better after a minute hypoxia is no longer a danger
False, euphoria could replace early warning signs
Why does dehydration make hypoxia effects worse
Because reduced blood volume impairs oxygen delivery
This chemical in Zyn pouches can increase heart rate and oxygen demand at altitude
Nicotine
what is stagnant and hypoxic
what is shortness of breath or rapid breathing
True or false: If I can move or talk I still have some useful consciousness
False, TUC refers to purposeful decision making not just movement
Why does high cockpit workload increase hypoxia risk
Attention is diverted and subtle symptoms go unnoticed
What environmental factor increases metabolic rate (speed at which your body breaks down nutrients to energy) and oxygen demand?
Temperature
A pilot who is a smoker experiences a rapid decompression at 30,000'. What 2 types of Hypoxia are at work?
hypoxic and hypemic
Why does cyanosis appear later on rather than earlier with symptoms?
Significant oxygen deprivation must occur before blue discoloration is noticeable
True or false: An immediate emergency descent eliminates the need for supplemental oxygen
False, Time of Useful Consciousness may expire before you descend enough for sufficient oxygen
At moderate altitude, a pilot recovering from the flu becomes hypoxic sooner than expected. Why
Not eating impacts your _______ levels
Blood sugar