| Hypoxia is a family of conditions characterized by a | | | | measure their own blood oxygen saturation and |
| lack of oxygen in the body's tissues. The hypoxia | | | | determine the need for supplemental oxygen. |
| may encompass the general body, or a specific area, | | | | A medical device used by Pilots to monitor their |
| such as the brain. In all cases, it can be dangerous or | | | | oxygen saturation in the blood at high altitudes is the |
| deadly, because without oxygen, the human body | | | | Landon Medical Hand Held Pulse Oximeter PC-66B. A |
| cannot function. | | | | pulse oximeter is a small, hand-held medical device |
| In extreme cases, Hypoxia can produce a situation | | | | that measures the oxygen saturation of a patient's |
| where increased levels of carbon monoxide prevent | | | | blood (SpO2) as well a patient's heart rate. As |
| oxygen from reaching the cells. This can lead to an | | | | opposed to measuring oxygen saturation through an |
| actual metabolic poison thus preventing the cell from | | | | invasive procedure such as a blood sample, an |
| getting enough oxygen. | | | | oximeter is used as a painless and non-invasive |
| For pilots in particular, hypoxia occurs during an | | | | medical instrument. Because of their ease of use, |
| increase in altitude because reduced atmospheric | | | | speed, and cost effectiveness, pulse oximeters are |
| pressure results in fewer molecules in the air they | | | | the preferred medical device for pilots in monitoring |
| breathe. A medical device is required for pilots to | | | | their blood oxygen saturation in high altitudes. |