The prevalence of reported G-induced loss of consciousness among UK Royal Air Force aircrew decreased to 14.8% from 20.1% in 2005, potentially due to the introduction of centrifuge training.
Cross-Sectional (n=809)
Do interventions such as centrifuge training reduce the prevalence of G-induced loss of consciousness in Royal Air Force aircrew compared to historical rates?
The prevalence of G-induced loss of consciousness among RAF aircrew has decreased since 2005, potentially due to interventions such as centrifuge training.
Absolute Event Rate: 14.8% vs 20.1%
INTRODUCTION: Exposure to sustained +Gz acceleration with inadequate G protection can result in G-induced loss of consciousness (G-LOC) or almost loss of consciousness (A-LOC). The UK Royal Air Force (RAF) last conducted a survey of G-LOC within their military aircrew in 2005 with interventions subsequently introduced. The aim of this study was to repeat the 2005 survey in order to evaluate the impact of those interventions. METHODS: An anonymous questionnaire requesting details of G-LOC and A-LOC events was mailed to all RAF pilots (N = 1878) and weapons systems operators (WSOs) (N = 473), irrespective of aircraft currently flown. RESULTS: The questionnaire was returned by 809 aircrew (34.4% response rate). There were 120 (14.8%) aircrew who reported at least one episode of G-LOC and 260 (32.2%) reported at least one episode of A-LOC. The reported prevalence of G-LOC in the previous 2005 survey was 20.1% (N = 454). There was an increased reporting of G-LOC in the Hawk, Tucano, and Grob Tutor aircraft, with 5 G-LOC and 19 A-LOC events reported in the Grob Tutor compared to none in 2005. DISCUSSION: The prevalence of reported G-LOC has decreased in the surveyed populations, which may be due to the introduction of centrifuge training, but also may be influenced by patterns of G exposure and other factors. Scope for further reduction remains through correct execution of the anti-G straining maneuver (AGSM) with centrifuge training early in flying training and use of a structured conditioning program to increase the general strength of muscles involved in the AGSM.Slungaard E, McLeod J, Green NDC, Kiran A, Newham DJ, Harridge SDR. Incidence of G-induced loss of consciousness and almost loss of consciousness in the Royal Air Force. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2017; 88(6):550-555.
Slungaard et al. (Thu,) conducted a cross-sectional in G-induced loss of consciousness (G-LOC) (n=809). Interventions introduced since 2005 (e.g., centrifuge training) vs. 2005 survey cohort was evaluated on Prevalence of G-LOC. The prevalence of reported G-induced loss of consciousness among UK Royal Air Force aircrew decreased to 14.8% from 20.1% in 2005, potentially due to the introduction of centrifuge training.