CREW INCAPACITATION


Incapacitation to the pilots or cabin crew, can occur gradually or suddenly, ranging from mild to very severe. While causes are many, steps can be taken to identify and minimize risk factors. The most common causes of sudden incapacitation are gastrointestinal (stomach and bowel) problems, such as stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, but there are many possible causes for both pilots and cabin crew.


Incapacitation may occur as a result of:


• The effects of Hypoxia (insufficient oxygen) associated with an absence of normal pressurization system function at altitudes above 10,000 ft


• Smoke or Fumes associated with an InFlight Fire or with contamination of the air conditioning system • Food Poisoning • Fatigue or falling asleep • A medical condition such as a heart attack, stroke or seizure or mental abnormality • A malicious or hostile act by unruly passenger or terrorist


Recognizing Incapacitation Incapacitation may be obvious immediately, become progressively evident, or escape notice altogether until an unexpected absence of response or action occurs. Early recognition of incapacitation is essential.


• Routine monitoring and cross-checking of flight instruments, especially during critical phases of flight • If a crewmember does not respond appropriately to verbal communications • If a crewmember does not respond to a verbal communication accompanied by a significant deviation from a standard flight profile


• Incoherent speech • Strange behavior • Irregular breathing • Pale fixed facial expression


• Jerky motions that are either delayed or too rapid Emergency Evacuations 20


Image courtesy www.wired.co.uk


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61