High Altitude Flight test

NordicDave said:
Highly recommend a finger oximeter to measure blood oxygen %. They are inexpensive.
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I want to emphasize how important it is to measure the blood oxygen saturation level. You can't go by feel on this; you have to measure it. A pulse oximeter is a cheap, accurate and easy-to-use tool to do that. Take a reading every few minutes; it may be your only indication if something is wrong with your oxygen supply.

Here is an interview I recorded with Dr. Brent Blue on the topic of oxygen for pilots:

 
Martin Pauly said:
I want to emphasize how important it is to measure the blood oxygen saturation level. You can't go by feel on this; you have to measure it. A pulse oximeter is a cheap, accurate and easy-to-use tool to do that. Take a reading every few minutes; it may be your only indication if something is wrong with your oxygen supply.

Here is an interview I recorded with Dr. Brent Blue on the topic of oxygen for pilots:

Click to expand...

Good stuff.

Someone in aviation should really go learn and test the specific pros and cons of the oxygen systems. It seems like lots of posters talk well about the concentrator systems, but the data available on them seems fuzzy (at least to me as a retired RN). The pulse systems seem to offer longevity of supply but did not serve me well on one isolated test. Some flying magazine, MD in the business, or even popular YouTuber needs to get their act in gear. Get each the systems in a plane, go test under similar conditions and altitudes, and share the data.
Test:
continuous mask AND nasal cannula
concentrator
systems that give just a short burst at start of inhalation.
Perhaps add in breathing methods to use if one gets in trouble.
Monitor cockpit O2% would be helpful, normal should be 21%.
Perhaps use watch and finger monitoring system.

I have the mountain high portable pulse demand to contribute to testing (but want it back).
 
Martin Pauly said:
I want to emphasize how important it is to measure the blood oxygen saturation level. You can't go by feel on this; you have to measure it. A pulse oximeter is a cheap, accurate and easy-to-use tool to do that. Take a reading every few minutes; it may be your only indication if something is wrong with your oxygen supply.

Here is an interview I recorded with Dr. Brent Blue on the topic of oxygen for pilots:

Click to expand...
Dr. Blue is telling us how to avoid hypoxia?:rofl:
 
I have noticed that when I fly an unpressurized aircraft above 18,000 msl I produce and release excess oxygen.

(oxygen is considered a gas, right.??)
 
4RNB said:
Good stuff.

Someone in aviation should really go learn and test the specific pros and cons of the oxygen systems. It seems like lots of posters talk well about the concentrator systems, but the data available on them seems fuzzy (at least to me as a retired RN). The pulse systems seem to offer longevity of supply but did not serve me well on one isolated test. Some flying magazine, MD in the business, or even popular YouTuber needs to get their act in gear. Get each the systems in a plane, go test under similar conditions and altitudes, and share the data.
Test:
continuous mask AND nasal cannula
concentrator
systems that give just a short burst at start of inhalation.
Perhaps add in breathing methods to use if one gets in trouble.
Monitor cockpit O2% would be helpful, normal should be 21%.
Perhaps use watch and finger monitoring system.

I have the mountain high portable pulse demand to contribute to testing (but want it back).
Click to expand...
I’m sure you know but beware of false pulse ox readings as well. Happens a lot when we fly patients. Sunlight, aircraft vibration, skin condition, etc.
 
MacFlier said:
... the most telling symptom was my vision slowing tunneling... I put the mask back and everything went back to normal in 5 secs.
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I get the same symptom during ultra endurance sports events as I approach my limits. First, I start to lose peripheral vision. If I don't slow down or stop, it gradually tunnels in and then colors fade to grey. When pushing the limits I keep aware of this so I can avoid pushing too hard, passing out and falling down or crashing.
 
MRC01 said:
I get the same symptom during ultra endurance sports events as I approach my limits. First, I start to lose peripheral vision. If I don't slow down or stop, it gradually tunnels in and then colors fade to grey. When pushing the limits I keep aware of this so I can avoid pushing too hard, passing out and falling down or crashing.
Click to expand...
Me too…somewhere around the 8-minute mark.
 

Join us for A VIRTUAL cup of coffee, a donut, and a LIVE WEBINAR as Dr Jim Lakin talks with us about the causes and symptoms of hypoxia. He will also talk with us about lifestyle choices we make as limits that can influence how we respond to decreased oxygen levels as we fly. Think about how the different types of hypoxia and how they affect you personally. Fly safer with what you learn today!
 
I keep a pulse oximeter handy on all flights and check it occasionally in case you get a carbon monoxide leak. When I was younger 12k was doable. As a young aircraft crew member I did go to the high altitude chamber was an enlightened experience.
 
frfly172 said:
I keep a pulse oximeter handy on all flights and check it occasionally in case you get a carbon monoxide leak. When I was younger 12k was doable. As a young aircraft crew member I did go to the high altitude chamber was an enlightened experience.
Click to expand...
I don't think a pulse oximeter will help you to detect CO

one example found in a google search: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8037391/

still, I think it's a good idea to keep it handy and check your O2 saturations once in a while
 
frfly172 said:
I keep a pulse oximeter handy on all flights and check it occasionally in case you get a carbon monoxide leak. When I was younger 12k was doable. As a young aircraft crew member I did go to the high altitude chamber was an enlightened experience.
Click to expand...

As Brad pointed out, most typical pulse oximeters can't tell the difference between CO and O2 in the blood. Do not depend on it for CO.
 
Oxygen binds to hemoglobin rather weakly. This is good, because it has to pick up O2 in your lungs and release it into your tissues. Carbon monoxide binds strongly to hemoglobin rendering it useless for transporting O2. Too much CO and your blood becomes useless as an oxygen transport system and you lose consciousness and die. You also turn a rather nice shade of deep pink.

Warning! Some may find the following photo disturbing:
 
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