Can you survive rapid decompression?

Passengers of commercial aircraft which go through rapid decompression usually survive with no adverse long term health effects. Even with a huge hole in the side of the plane, everyone on Qantas flight 30 landed alive and safe. As the plane descends rapidly, the loss of pressure will likely cause your ears to pop.

What happens to the body during rapid decompression?

Such decompression may be classed as explosive, rapid, or slow: Explosive decompression (ED) is violent and too fast for air to escape safely from the lungs and other air-filled cavities in the body such as the sinuses and eustachian tubes, typically resulting in severe to fatal barotrauma.

Does rapid decompression cause fog?

As air in the cabin rapidly expands, the cabin can fill with fog.

What is a slow decompression?

Slow/Insidious decompression involves a very gradual decrease in cabin pressure. Slow decompression may be the result of a faulty door seal, a malfunction in the pressurization system, or a cracked window. Slow decompression may not always be obvious.

What is the average time of useful consciousness after a rapid decompression at 40000 feet?

Medical analysis and variations

Altitude (measured barometrically)	TUC (normal ascent)	TUC (rapid decompression)
FL400 (40,000 ft; 12,200 m)	15 to 20 seconds	7 to 10 seconds
FL430 (43,000 ft; 13,100 m)	9 to 12 seconds	5 seconds
FL500 (50,000 ft; 15,250 m)	9 to 12 seconds	5 seconds

What is the difference between explosive and rapid decompression?

Discussion. A rapid depressurisation event is more common than Explosive Depressurisation and is usually associated with larger aircraft. Depressurisation occurs in a matter of seconds at a rate greater than 7,000 ft/min, and is normally associated with a ‘bang’ and a sudden fogging of the cabin air.

Why did the Byford Dolphin accident happen?

On 17 April 2002, a 44-year-old Norwegian worker on the rig was struck on the head and killed in an industrial accident. The accident resulted in Byford Dolphin losing an exploration contract with Statoil, which expressed concerns with the rig’s operating procedures.

Did anyone survive the Byford Dolphin incident?

The sole survivor, Martin Saunders was left with devastating injuries. When the crew’s diving chamber explosively decompressed from a pressure of nine atmospheres to one atmosphere, the five men were killed instantly, with their blood reaching boiling point in a matter of seconds.

At what altitude do you lose consciousness?

Hypoxia occurs within a few minutes if the cabin pressure altitude rises to between 5,000-6,000 m (about 16,000 – 20,000 ft). Acute hypoxia is characterised by impaired cognitive performance and sometimes a loss of consciousness.

Can a human survive at 35000 feet?

Long term, no, it is not. Any exposure to pressure altitudes over 26,000 ft will eventually cause death from hypoxia, even with acclimation to the higher altitudes.

Is lack of oxygen painful?

Local hypoxia If tissue is not being perfused properly, it may feel cold and appear pale; if severe, hypoxia can result in cyanosis, a blue discoloration of the skin. If hypoxia is very severe, a tissue may eventually become gangrenous. Extreme pain may also be felt at or around the site.

Why do you urinate more at high altitude?

This makes your blood more basic aka alkaline. Your kidneys sense this and correct it by excreting basic substances, making you pee more.

Why do planes avoid flying over Pacific Ocean?

Most commercial airlines, that operate between East Asia and the Americas, do not fly over the Pacific Ocean because of cost and safety concerns, including turbulent weather, which can be dangerous to fly over.