Posted on 06/28/2015 8:29:10 PM PDT by BenLurkin
Healthy humans are able to regulate body temperatures at 36C to 37.3C in more normal conditions, but, according to the FAA, the limited oxygen supply at high altitude means this is no longer possible.
At this point people might start to become poikilothermic, research sponsored by the FAA says. This means their body temperature becomes more controlled by the external environment. A state "somewhat reminiscent" of hibernation occurs. The body's temperature can fall to 27C or even lower. Unconsciousness and lower heart and breathing rates occur.
The body would pump blood to the brain more efficiently and distribute it only to the automatic nervous system, in an effort to survive. This means less blood getting to the body's extremities. Frostbite is a severe risk, but the most vital organs could be saved...
When the plane nears the ground, the body gradually re-warms, the FAA adds. If the person avoids brain damage or falling out as the wheel lowers before touchdown, they might in theory survive.
... But mention of a poikilothermic state is not "useful", says Ken Baillie, consultant in intensive care medicine at the University of Edinburgh. "This rather suggests that we revert to some evolutionarily ancient mechanism to survive extreme conditions, and I can't see any evidence to support that claim," he adds. "I think the reality is much simpler - if you are very cold, your brain takes longer to die."
The cold and lack of oxygen would quickly shut down the brain, "leaving you unconscious but technically alive", says Baillie. "It is worth saying that, in the unlikely event that someone does manage to survive a landing in a wheel bay, even if they don't have a pulse, an ambulance should still be called because there is a small chance that they can be saved."
(Excerpt) Read more at bbc.com ...
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I avoid all that freezing / oxygen hassle by flying in business class.
Well, I do wonder what part oxygen plays in this - oxygen basically “oxidizes”, so, if there is very little oxygen, perhaps this helps preserve them, which enhances the low temp (= slower chemical/decay processes) effects?
AS has been taught in medical school for years - you aren’t dead until you are warm and dead. Cold water drownings can produce the same circumstances.
Short Version
If landing from the West on Red One they drop out of the wheel well between Windsor and the reservoir lakes and if really frozen the tarmac of Heathrow. If landing to the West Hounslow was and is he preferred drop zone.
I always hated Red One as a glider pilot. We violated Red One constantly and many of those that did were BA pilots and BEA pilots though BEA did not really exist then but it did. I think BEA is finally dead.
Down Wind Jackie would know, Booker Airfield is the Center of the Universe from April to September. After September drink beer at your local and go to Aboyne in the Winter.
I miss Booker.
As a perfusionist we induce hypothermia and rewarm people daily. In an OR this is helpful. In a wheel well at 30-40,000 feet...not so much.
Heated and pressurized wheel wells are guaranteed in the Constitution.
My two cents...
If someone stows in the wheel well there are a few things that happen. High pressure builds up in the well allowing one to absorb oxygen. There is just enough heat spilling in through the cabin and mechanical systems to prevent a person from dying. I doubt it’s a comfortable ride though.
Or they could do the James Bond thing and breathe air from the tires...(I know i know. It’s nitrogen but still).
I didn’t say was helpful just said you aren’t dead until you are warm and dead.....
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