CCTM-1006 - Altitude and Flight Physiology

The Altitude and Flight Physiology module provides the foundational knowledge required for safe and effective critical care transport in the aviation environment. As patients, crew, and aircraft transition through varying altitudes and atmospheric conditions, transport clinicians must understand how changes in pressure, oxygen availability, gas expansion, temperature, vibration, fatigue, and environmental stressors influence both human physiology and medical equipment. This module explores the structure of the atmosphere, physiologic zones of altitude, and the mechanisms and clinical manifestations of hypoxia in both patients and crew members. Learners will examine the major gas laws and their direct application to transport medicine, including respiratory care, ventilation, decompression effects, and equipment function in flight. The module also addresses the cumulative stressors associated with transport medicine, emphasizing risk recognition, mitigation strategies, and operational awareness. Finally, learners will be introduced to the principles of medical flight planning and decision-making, integrating physiologic understanding with safe transport operations. Through this module, Critical Care Transport Medicine learners will develop the knowledge base required to anticipate, recognize, and manage the unique physiologic challenges encountered in the air medical environment.