Aviation cardiology in Canada

Abstract

In Canada we have two aspects of aviation cardiology-military and civilian; the latter is subdivided into private civilian and commercial flying. In both instances the standards are rigid. This report summarizes what we in aviation cardiology are attempting to accomplish given the present state of knowledge. Military Aviation Cardiology The Central Medical Board of the Defence and Civil Institute of Environmental Medicine in Toronto, Ontario provides a consultant service for the Surgeon General of the Canadian Forces (CF) on all CF aircrew. The main functions of the board are twofold: (1) Final medical assessment of all CF aircrew applicants; and (2) special assessment of the flying status of serving aircrewmen. In addition to assessing special cases, the board sees all aircrew members who are temporarily grounded for longer than 3 months. Handling of cardiovascular problems: Initial processing of all aircrew applicants takes place at the local level. Applicants are then sent to the Aircrew Selection Centre for final selection procedures: psychological testing and further medical screening by the Central Medical Board. Their initial medical examinations are reviewed and control electroencephalograms, audiograms and anthropometric data are established. Also, control electrocardiograms are completed and sent directly by telephone to Dr. Manning’s laboratory in London, Ontario, where they are read, recorded and filed. These records are then available for the continuing research. All applicants with abnormal examination results are seen by Dr. Manning as the consultant in cardiology for aircrew