Investigations into “oxygen want,” as evidenced by drowsiness, shortness of breath, fainting, etc., at considerable altitudes, have led the authorities to supply pilots with oxygen tanks for use in high altitudes, since it is not the density of atmosphere but the dearth of oxygen which causes these distressing symptoms. An apparatus has recently been perfected by means of which, by diluting the respired air with nitrogen, it is now possible to determine accurately the altitude beyond which a pilot may fly in safety, and so it is hoped to prevent many casualties, and assist in the “classification” of airmen with reference to their flying capabilities.
Vision, which when abnormal causes headaches, dizziness, etc., should be normally stereoscopic, and the accommodation perfect in at least one eye; but while accurate color vision is considered desirable, it is not essential providing the primary colors are correctly recognized.
Amongst other tests adopted by the brigade are those giving the vital lung capacity, the expiratory force, also complemental and supplemental air, the former being the measurement of the excess capacity of the lungs over a normal intake of air, the latter that quantity of air remaining in the lungs after a normal expiration.
Excess of any nature is frowned on. Excessive tea or coffee drinking, or any semblance of nicotine poisoning at once asserts itself. The strain of instruction also produces definite phenomena, and pilots retained for this duty are limited to three and a half hours’ flying daily. These phenomena are watched for, and treated sanely and sympathetically, till the individual with all his personal variations becomes as it were a human barometer, which infallibly records the actions and reactions of the flying man’s life.
Owing to the fact that the pioneer attempt at systematic winter training, without regard to temperature, was undertaken during 1917-18 in Canada and successfully concluded during the severest weather of many years, certain new problems required solution. When it is realized that machines flew at ground temperatures as low as -35 degrees Fah., the occurrence of frostbite and any effect of the intense cold on the mental faculties, to the extent of producing drowsiness and even stupor, was extremely infrequent. The flying clothing provided, the Hawker boots, the gauntlets and chamois face masks, which were adopted after all ointments, oils, etc., generally in use in altitude flying, froze in situ, most effectually prevented the expected difficulties, so completely indeed that during the whole winter season no serious casualties could be traced to the effect of the low temperatures encountered.
Such in brief outline are some of the major investigations peculiar to the duties of the medical staff of the brigade. To these are of course added others better known, such as blood pressure, etc. Couple them with psycho-mental problems, and they give some suggestion of the history compiled for every would-be pilot and observer, an intimate history unapproached in detail and interest by any other tabulation of personal phenomena.
In conclusion, it is desired that special acknowledgment be made of the exceptional service rendered by medical officers on the aerodromes, and by the staff of medical orderlies distributed through the brigade.
The hours of the former were long and arduous, the duties of the latter, for which they were trained by the senior medical officer and his staff, were manifold and pressing. That they were admirably performed is of common knowledge, but that their swiftness in succour and skill in first aid saved many a life, is known only to those who have been privileged to see them at work.
