What is the time of useful consciousness at 30,000 feet MSL?

At an altitude of 30,000 feet mean sea level (MSL), the time of useful consciousness is approximately 90 seconds. This refers to the amount of time a person can function cognitively after exposure to reduced atmospheric pressure and decreased oxygen levels, which leads to hypoxia.

At this altitude, the available oxygen is significantly lower than at sea level, which affects the brain's ability to function properly. During this critical period of time, an individual can still respond to stimuli, think clearly, and take necessary actions to enhance their survival, such as using supplemental oxygen.

Understanding this concept is crucial for flight paramedics, as it emphasizes the importance of recognizing the effects of altitude on the human body and the urgency of providing oxygen or descending to a safer altitude if necessary. The time of useful consciousness decreases as altitude increases, so being aware of how this can impact decision-making and emergency response is vital in flight operations.