What can be done to treat hypoxia?

What can be done to treat hypoxia?

• A. Descent to a lower altitude, or re-pressurization of the cabin, or use of oxygen supply
• B. Wait for oxygen to become available
• C. Ignore symptoms
• D. Seek medical attention after landing

Answer: (A)

Hypoxia is treated by increasing the amount of oxygen the body can use, which in flight means either lowering the aircraft’s altitude, restoring cabin pressure, or providing supplemental oxygen immediately. At higher altitudes the air has less oxygen pressure, so breathing becomes insufficient for the body's needs. Descending to a lower altitude raises the ambient oxygen availability, and re-pressurizing the cabin brings the cabin to a breathable pressure. If oxygen masks or portable oxygen are available, using them right away boosts the oxygen entering the lungs, buying time until the aircraft is back at a safe altitude or pressure. Waiting for oxygen to appear, ignoring symptoms, or delaying care until after landing fails to address the immediate shortfall and can be dangerous.

Hypoxia is treated by increasing the amount of oxygen the body can use, which in flight means either lowering the aircraft’s altitude, restoring cabin pressure, or providing supplemental oxygen immediately. At higher altitudes the air has less oxygen pressure, so breathing becomes insufficient for the body's needs. Descending to a lower altitude raises the ambient oxygen availability, and re-pressurizing the cabin brings the cabin to a breathable pressure. If oxygen masks or portable oxygen are available, using them right away boosts the oxygen entering the lungs, buying time until the aircraft is back at a safe altitude or pressure. Waiting for oxygen to appear, ignoring symptoms, or delaying care until after landing fails to address the immediate shortfall and can be dangerous.