Grounding of Pilots: Medical Reasons and Recommendations for Prevention

Simons, Ries; Maire, René; Drongelen, A. van; Valk, P.J.L.

doi:10.3357/amhp.5985.2021

Cited by 9 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 17 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Unclassified

Order By: Relevance

“…Os efeitos tardios do álcool, representam um perigo insidioso para a segurança de voo, uma vez que estão associados a incapacidade subtil que pode passar despercebida aos outros membros da tripulação. Nestes casos, a quantificação do álcool através de um teste aleatório no ar expirado não é possível, uma vez que, na manhã do voo, o álcool já foi metabolizado [15]. Num estudo holandês, 5% dos pilotos de uma empresa de aviação comercial (n=302) admitiram sentir efeitos adversos do álcool consumido na véspera, quando tiveram de voar na manhã seguinte [15].…”

Section: Resultados 31unclassified

“…Nestes casos, a quantificação do álcool através de um teste aleatório no ar expirado não é possível, uma vez que, na manhã do voo, o álcool já foi metabolizado [15]. Num estudo holandês, 5% dos pilotos de uma empresa de aviação comercial (n=302) admitiram sentir efeitos adversos do álcool consumido na véspera, quando tiveram de voar na manhã seguinte [15]. A prevenção dos efeitos tardios do álcool só poderá ser alcançada estimulando a consciencialização da tripulação e criando programas de apoio, tal como recomendado pelo grupo de trabalho da Germanwings.…”

Section: Resultados 31unclassified

“…Arezes et al, (Ed.). Occupational safety and hygiene IV (11)(12)(13)(14)(15). London: Taylor & Francis.…”

Section: Adammentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

International Symposium on Occupational Safety and Hygiene: Proceedings Book of the SHO2020

2020

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Com a ocorrência da Pandemia provocada pelo novo coronavírus SARS-CoV-2, causador da doença Covid-19, a Sociedade Portuguesa de Segurança e Higiene Ocupacionais viu-se obrigada a efetuar uma série de alterações no planeamento inicial da 16ª edição do Colóquio Internacional de Segurança e Higiene Ocupacionais - SHO 2020. Inicialmente prevista para os dias 8 e 9 de Abril na Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, o SHO 2020 foi adiado para os dias 16 e 17 de Julho de 2020 numa edição on line. No entanto, apesar de todas estas alterações, procurou-se manter toda a estrutura habitual do Colóquio. A edição de 2020 abrange as temáticas tradicionais da Segurança contra Incêndio, da Gestão da Prevenção, dos Riscos Químicos e Biológicos, da Ergonomia e do Ambiente Físico. Nas sessões plenárias, para além destas temáticas são abordadas áreas emergentes associadas à 4ª revolução industrial e aos novos desafios que acarreta.

show abstract

Section: Resultados 31unclassified

See 1 more Smart Citation

International Symposium on Occupational Safety and Hygiene: Proceedings Book of the SHO2020

2020

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has recognized SCD as a significant threat to aviation safety and has called for a global effort to address this issue (Simons et al, 2021) (22). The ICAO has emphasized the need for robust medical screening, regular health assessments, and the implementation of preventive strategies to mitigate the risk of SCD among pilots (Simons et al, 2021) (22). However, despite these efforts, SCD remains a persistent concern in the aviation industry.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Trends in Sudden Cardiac Death in Pilots: A Post COVID-19 Challenging Crisis of Global Perspectives (2011-2023) - A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Borges

2024

Preprint

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

BackgroundSudden cardiac death (SCD) remains a significant threat to pilots and is a leading cause of death worldwide, jeopardizing flight safety and causing devastating consequences. This review examines trends in SCD among pilots from a global perspective, analyzing evidence from 2011 to 2023, with a focus on its growing impact as a global crisis and recent findings pointing to a potential rise in incidence, particularly after 2019.ObjectivesTo analyze the prevalence, risk factors, and prevention strategies for SCD in pilots, particularly post-COVID-19.MethodsThe PRISMA guidelines for systematic meta-analysis was used, a search of peer-reviewed literature for international aviation databases, and pilot associations was conducted to identify relevant data. The analysis focused on trends in SCD prevalence, risk factors, prevention strategies, and recent findings, including the potential impact of COVID-19, the role of vaccination, and important biomarkers to screen for predisposition. Eligibility criteria included studies reporting SCD incidence, risk factors, or prevention strategies in pilots. Data were extracted, and meta-analyses conducted.ResultsRecent studies suggest a potential increase in SCD incidence among pilots following the COVID-19 pandemic. Cardiovascular complications, increased stress, disruptions in healthcare, and changes in lifestyle may contribute to this potential rise. Identified risk factors include age, male gender, and cardiovascular comorbidities.Biomarkers such as troponin, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) have been identified as potential indicators of increased SCD risk in pilots. Preventive measures include regular cardiovascular assessments and lifestyle modifications.ConclusionSCD remains a significant and rising threat to pilots, posing a global crisis that requires immediate attention. Through a comprehensive approach that includes risk assessment, preventive measures, emergency response, and preventive protocols, the aviation industry can mitigate this risk and safeguard the lives of pilots and passengers.This review also suggests standardized examination protocol for pilots includes regular cardiovascular risk assessment, biomarker screening, monitoring of COVID-19 and vaccination status, lifestyle modifications, and a standardized reporting system. The adoption of a standardized protocol by aviation regulatory bodies and airlines worldwide is crucial to address the growing threat of SCD among pilots and ensure the highest standards of aviation safety.

show abstract

“…Cardiovascular disease is the most common reason for loss of flying privileges for both military and civilian pilots in Western Europe, and cardiac arrhythmias are the main disqualifier [ 13 , 21 , 26 ]. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia worldwide [ 1 , 20 , 32 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Management of atrial fibrillation in German military aircrew

Guettler

Sammito

2023

J Occup Med Toxicol

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Introduction Arrhythmias are one of the most common causes of loss of flying privileges for both military and civilian pilots in the Western World, and atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common arrhythmias worldwide. Aircrew, and particularly pilots, are subject to a unique and exacting working environment, especially in high-performance military aircraft. This manuscript analyzes AF cases in German military aircrew from both a clinical and occupational perspective to point out specific characteristics in this comparatively young, highly selected, and closely monitored group, and to discuss AF management with the aim of a return to flying duties. Methods The digital information systems of the German Air Force Centre of Aerospace Medicine (GAFCAM) were searched for aircrew (pilot and non-pilot aircrew from German Air Force, Army, and Navy) with the diagnosis of AF. Evaluation results for underlying disease, AF characteristics, important clinical findings, and occupational decisions were analyzed in the light of current clinical guidelines and aeromedical regulations. Results In a 34-year period, between March 1989 and January 2023, 42 aircrew with at least one episode of AF were registered, all of them were male. The median age at initial diagnosis was 47 years (min 22 years, max 62 years). The median follow-up period was 5.35 years. 19 of them (45%) were pilots. The breakdown of events and occurrence was found to be: single (23), paroxysmal (16), persistent (2), permanent (1). In 27 aircrew (64%) AF terminated spontaneously. Long-term recurrence prevention was variable with catheter ablations in 8 cases. 36/42 aircrew were returned to flight status with restrictions, while 6/42 were permanently disqualified from flying. Conclusion Management of AF in military aircrew requires a comprehensive approach regarding the flight environment as well as clinical guidance. Aeromedical disposition should be case-by-case based on aeromedical regulations, individual clinical findings, and specific occupational requirements in this challenging field of work.

show abstract

Grounding of Pilots: Medical Reasons and Recommendations for Prevention

Cited by 9 publications

References 17 publications

International Symposium on Occupational Safety and Hygiene: Proceedings Book of the SHO2020

International Symposium on Occupational Safety and Hygiene: Proceedings Book of the SHO2020

Trends in Sudden Cardiac Death in Pilots: A Post COVID-19 Challenging Crisis of Global Perspectives (2011-2023) - A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Management of atrial fibrillation in German military aircrew

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About