Alcohol in Head-Injured Aircrew Evaluated by the Aeromedical Consult Service, 1982-2002
Abstract
Head injury in the flying community has special significance, from both a personal and operational standpoint. Alcohol use is often associated with traumatic injury, but its use in a population of head-injured aircrew members has not been previously addressed. This study describes alcohol use in head-injured aircrew presenting for evaluation by the Aeromedical Consult Service (ACS) between 1982 and 2002. An extant dataset of head-injured aircrew, prepared and maintained by the ACS, was the source of data. Demographic information regarding this population was compared to general Air Force and Air Force aircrew populations. Alcohol use at the time of injury was assessed by data relating to blood alcohol levels drawn at the time of injury, and by the presence or absence of a history of alcohol use at the time of injury. Baseline alcohol use, based on patient self-report, was reviewed. Information regarding alcohol use at the time of injury was available in just 26 of 88 cases, but in 17 of those 26 cases alcohol was felt to contribute to the head injury. Thus at a minimum, 19.3% of cases presenting to the ACS for evaluation of head injury had alcohol as a contributing factor, representing a significant Operational Risk Management issue and warranting further study.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 11, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA415811
Entities
People
- Patrick R. Storms
Organizations
- University of Texas at Austin