Aircrew fatigue monitoring during sustained flight operations from Souda Bay, Crete, Greece.

Authors: Stoner JD
Address: Branch Medical Clinic, Naval Support Activity, Crete, Greece.
Journal:

Publication:

abstract

BACKGROUND:

Operational flight surgeons are often responsible for determining aeromedical readiness of Aircrew members whose accumulated flight time exceeds standard limitations. Realizing that operational reports of excessive flight time in aircrew are limited, we used Rayman's 1975 study of fatigue during Cambodian airlift missions as a model to evaluate 42 U.S. Navy EP-3E aircrew members flying reconnaissance missions from Souda Bay, Crete, Greece. Measured parameters focused on information accessible to operational flight surgeons.

METHODS:

Hoping to identify early indices of fatigue, the aircrews were monitored using anonymous questionnaires, physiologic data (mean arterial pressure, pulse, pulse pressure), and hematologic measurements (CBC, sedimentation rate).

RESULTS:

As suspected, no physiologic parameter indicated early fatigue. However, some aircrew demonstrated small changes in measured visual phorias as compared to prior evaluations. Anonymous questionnaires and subjective evaluation of crewmembers appeared most valuable in assessing fatigue.

CONCLUSION:

Incorporating previously reported recommendations for fatigue surveillance, the Souda Bay experience is an example of successful fatigue monitoring in aircrews who accumulate flight time beyond standard restrictions.

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