Quote:
Originally Posted by swatsurgeon
What is the military's stance on this interms of time from PTX to ability to fly (in a pressurized aircraft)?
Anyone have printed policy on this?
Thanks
ss
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Not sure about a pressurized aircraft specifically (but am looking for info), but according to USASAM policy, IAW FM 8-2 regarding aeromedical evac, patients with a PTX may fly with a CT in place and a Heimlich valve. Patients are not to fly within 72 hours of CT removal. A CXR is required within 24 hours of flight on any patient with a recent h/o PTX.
I haven't been able to find a specific policy statement yet addressing waivers for a remote history of PTX, but according to "Clinical Aviation Medicine" by Russell Rayman, 2nd ed., waivers are reasonable for idiopathic spontaneous PTX if there has only been a single episode, there has been complete recovery with full expansion of the lung, PFTs are normal, there is no underlying demonstrable pathology that would predispose to recurrence, and one year has elapsed since the event.
For recurrences, criteria are more stringent and include surgery, altitude chamber evaluation including rapid decompression, PFTs, and 6 months restriction from flying duties. A third event will trigger permanent removal from flying duty.
Blebs and bullae are also waiverable if PFTs are normal, no other associated pulmonary pathology exists, and there is no demonstrable enlargement of the blebs/bullae in lower pressure environments.
Hope this helps!