G-LOC RECOVERY WITH AND WITHOUT G-SUIT INFLATION

During acceleration (+Gz) training in the human centrifuge, the anti-C i suit (AGS) is usually deflated as acceleration decreases upon termin ation of the exposure, regardless of the reason for termination, inclu ding +Gz-induced loss of consciousness (G-LOC). This is when the train ee most needs the support pro provided by the AGS. A method to reduce the time of incapacitation resulting from G-LOC was evaluated. The sta ndard CSU15-P suit worn by 30 aircrew while undergoing +Gz tolerance t raining wets inflated to 10 psi immediately upon G-LOC (GS group). Inc apacitation times and flailing activity were recorded and compared wit h 51 aircrew whose AGS wets not abruptly inflated upon G-LOC (NGS grou p). Absolute incapacitation was significantly different between both g roups (p = 0.024). The GS group exhibited flailing behavior for a long er period of time during relative incapacitation than the NGS group (p = 0.0003). Total incapacitation remained unaffected. A brief period o f confusion occasionally accompanied by mimic or myoclonic convulsions was observed more often in the GS group. Inflation of the AGS upon G- LOC seems to reduce absolute incapacitation by approximately 2 s, ther eby causing the trainee to be aware of his environment and G-LOC more quickly, even though his motor function has not yet been fully restore d.