What is the time of useful consciousness at 35,000 feet?

What is the time of useful consciousness at 35,000 feet?

• A. 10 seconds
• B. 30 seconds
• C. 1 minute
• D. 2 minutes

Answer: (B)

The time of useful consciousness refers to the duration that a person can maintain effective cognitive and physical functions following exposure to a sudden loss of cabin pressure, causing a drop in oxygen levels. At 35,000 feet, the air pressure is significantly lower than that at sea level, resulting in decreased availability of oxygen. At this altitude, the time of useful consciousness is typically around 30 seconds. This means that if a person were to experience hypoxia due to an abrupt loss of cabin pressure, they would have approximately 30 seconds to respond effectively, such as donning an oxygen mask or initiating emergency procedures, before their cognitive and motor skills begin to deteriorate significantly. Understanding this timeframe is crucial for aviation safety, as it underscores the importance of quick reactions and preparedness in the case of cabin depressurization. The other options suggest either a shorter or longer duration, which does not align with the well-documented physiological responses observed at this altitude.

The time of useful consciousness refers to the duration that a person can maintain effective cognitive and physical functions following exposure to a sudden loss of cabin pressure, causing a drop in oxygen levels. At 35,000 feet, the air pressure is significantly lower than that at sea level, resulting in decreased availability of oxygen.

At this altitude, the time of useful consciousness is typically around 30 seconds. This means that if a person were to experience hypoxia due to an abrupt loss of cabin pressure, they would have approximately 30 seconds to respond effectively, such as donning an oxygen mask or initiating emergency procedures, before their cognitive and motor skills begin to deteriorate significantly.

Understanding this timeframe is crucial for aviation safety, as it underscores the importance of quick reactions and preparedness in the case of cabin depressurization. The other options suggest either a shorter or longer duration, which does not align with the well-documented physiological responses observed at this altitude.