Introduction of Integrated Oxygen-Communication Mask and Helmet in Army Aviation: An aeromedical view point

Army Aviation has been operating in High Altitude regions of Northern and Eastern India for almost three decades. Till recently, the aviators had been using ‘EROS’ mask which was not harnessed to the helmet but used as ‘Hookah’ i.e. intermittent use of oxygen. Investigations in almost all accidents have had hypoxia as a contributing factor. Army Aviation has recently acquired Integrated Oxygen-Communication Mask and Helmet (IOCMH) aimed to provide continuous, on demand oxygen to aviators and thereby minimize chances of hypoxia. The usage of this new apparatus has brought into light a plethora of problems inherent to the design of this apparatus. After the preliminary testing at base i.e. on ground and in-flight trials, it is recommended that the system be withheld till further trials are carried out in the safe confines of lab environment followed by controlled in-flight trials the high altitude regions where it is expected to be used.