Clinical treatment and medical evaluation of aircrew cases underwent rapid altitude decompression during flight

Objective To explore the clinical treatment experience and medical evaluation method of aircrew cases underwent rapid altitude decompression. Methods The medical records of 19 aircrew cases underwent rapid altitude decompression at altitude 8300 to 10 000 m in 5 events in recent 10 years were reviewed. Results ① In 5 events, 7 of 10 persons in 3 events (group A) suffered from type Ⅱ altitude decompression sickness (DCS), the incidence of DCS was 70%. Nine persons in other 2 events had not DCS (group B). The difference of incidence between the two groups was significant (P0.01).②By analysis of the two groups of cases, the altitude hypoxia, treatment after altitude decompression and individual sensitivity to DCS were the important factors of affecting DCS development.③All patients have returned to flying position, but improper hyperbaric treatment or psychological disorder after rapid decompression obviously prolonged the recovery time. Conclusions Rapid altitude decompression can exert significant effect on physical and psychological conditions of flying personnel, with a high risk for occurrence of DCS. Proper treatment after altitude decompression is important for preventing the occurrence and development of DCS.