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High Altitude Course Preps Marines for Aussie Jumps

Left: Corporal James J. Robertson struggles to complete a puzzle while battling the effects of hypoxia in the Air Force's decompression chamber.

KADENA AIR BASE, Okinawa, Japan (Dec 4) -- Parachuting from an aircraft at altitudes above 18,000 feet requires special training and equipment to prevent the jumpers from feeling the effects of limited oxygen.

With the aid of the 18th Physiological Flight, 18 Marines completed the High Altitude Parachutist course (HAPS) here in preparation for parachute training exercises recently conducted in Australia.

Marines from 5th Force Reconnaissance Bn. and 3rd Landing Support Co., learned about the effects lack of oxygen has on the body, as well as how to prevent those effects from hampering their performance.

The Marines learned about the basic physiological effects high altitude jumping has on the respiratory and circulatory systems, as well as the make-up of the atmosphere and the differences in atmosphere at various altitudes.

In addition to classes on atmosphere and cabin pressure, the Marines discovered how to properly use oxygen life support equipment such as the Conax 6-man console, the MBU-12/P oxygen mask and the Twin 53 Jump Bottle.

"The most important thing we learned was how to recognize the symptoms of hypoxia," said Corpral James J. Robertson, Co. B, 5th Force Recon. Bn. "We found out what the symptoms feel like and how to react to them."
Hypoxia, a state of oxygen deficiency in body tissues sufficient enough to cause impairment of function, induces symptoms including lightheadedness, tingling extremities, blurred vision and hyperventilation. Failure to recognize and treat early symptoms can result in unconsciousness, and if a jumper has already exited an aircraft when unconsciousness sets in, the results can be deadly.

The Marines experienced the effects of high altitude firsthand in the Physiological Flight compression chamber. With oxygen masks and a basic knowledge of physiological factors associated with high altitudes, the Marines entered the chamber as operators adjusted the atmosphere inside to a simulated altitude of 35,000 feet.

Inside the chamber, the Marines were guided through a series of drills which showed the effects of low oxygen on vision and cognitive functions.

"The time of useful consciousness, or the time a person can control his actions, is three to five minutes at 25,000 feet above sea level," said Air Force 1stLt. Matthew D. Albright, HAPS instructor and logistics officer at the 18th Physiological Flight. "At 45,000 feet, that time is only nine to 12 seconds."

Albright continued by explaining that rapid decompression can cut those times in half, and during the course classes highlighted aircraft cabin pressurization and escape and crash survival situations.

Not only did the Marines receive instruction in the technicalities of altitude physiology, they learned about ways to improve their overall health which will greatly impact their performance.

The effects of diet, exercise, alcohol and tobacco were discussed, as well as mission stresses such as temperature, smoke, fatigue and noise. The Marines also discussed attention management in order to maintain good situational awareness and orientation.

"We focus on the human performance issues here, and much of our instruction is based on findings of mishap investigations," said Albright, whose course also trains high altitude jumpers in the Army, Navy and Air Force. "We want the jumpers to be able to safely accomplish their mission and know how to fend off the problems which cause mishaps."

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