History of aviation medicine

In the history of aviation, the history of aviation medicine began largely after World War I, when aircraft needed to fly to higher altitudes, and had enclosed canopies. In the jet era, aircraft became pressurised so rapid decompression became a hazard leading to passing out; had high g-forces which lead to G-LOC; and ejection seats caused impedance to pilots' health. Much of the adverse health effects in aviation are caused by rapid changes in atmospheric pressure, such as causing decompression sickness.

Paul Bert, the French zoologist, and the architect of aviation medicine

Paul Bert (1833-86) of France is known as the Father of Aviation Medicine, the first to research effects of air-pressure on health, and oxygen toxicity; he worked with the French meteorologist Gaston Tissandier. The first fatalities from aviation hypoxia occurred on 15 April 1875 in France, when the balloon Zenith reached 28,200ft.[1]

World War I

Italy was the first country to develop research into aviation medicine in World War I, followed by France. Britain was the first country to look at the effects of atmospheric pressure on pilots. By 1917, Britain and America were collaborating into research into aviation medicine, with a combined report in March 1918, started by Brigadier General Theodore C. Lyster (1875-1933), who helped to form the United States Army Air School of Aviation Medicine in 1918.

Interwar era

In the interwar era, techniques in aviation medicine mainly started; aircraft were gradually becoming advanced. The United States passed its Air Commerce Act on 20 May 1926, which laid down medical regulations for commercial pilots. In 1931, the Swiss physicist Auguste Piccard made important investigations of atmospheric pressure of the upper atmosphere (mesosphere).

The first pressurised aircraft flew in April 1937 in the USA.

World War II

By 1941–42, some production military aircraft were pressurised for the first time.

Post-war

In the post-war era, jet aircraft were now commonplace. Jet engines allowed aircraft to reach much higher altitudes; an aircraft has a maximum height that it can reach known as its ceiling.

Research

The RAF Institute of Aviation Medicine researched aviation medicine.

By country

United Kingdom

The RAF Medical Services was formed in April 1918; the RAF Nursing Service was formed in June 1918; the RAF Dental Branch was formed in July 1930 (later part of the Defence Dental Agency[2] from March 1996 in Buckinghamshire, and now part of Defence Medical Services, based in Staffordshire).[3][4]

Captain Christopher Stricklin ejects from his United States Air Force Thunderbirds F-16 on 14 September 2003, one second before impact

United States

On 15 December 1928, the Aero Medical Association of the United States was formed. The United States Air Force Medical Service was formed in 1949.

References

History of Aviation Medicine, Naval Aerospace Medical Institute
History of UK Defence Medical Services
National Archives
Defence Medical Services

External links

History of Flight Medicine

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[1] History of Aviation Medicine, Naval Aerospace Medical Institute

[2] History of UK Defence Medical Services

[3] National Archives

[4] Defence Medical Services

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