Offutt debuts cutting edge technology for aircrew hypoxia training

  • Published
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  The 55th Aerospace Medicine Squadron introduced their newest training tool, the Reduced Oxygen Breathing Device and Hypoxia Familiarization Trainer, also known as ROBD and HFT, during a ribbon cutting ceremony May 16 in the Aerospace Physiology building behind Ehrling Bergquist Clinic.

The ROBD and HFT replace the base's 1950s era altitude chamber and will be used to train aircrews to recognize and properly respond to the effects of altitude induced hypoxia.

"This is an historic moment for us and a tribute to the heritage and innovative spirit of the Air Force that we all know and love," said Col. Stephen Mounts, 55th Medical Group commander.

Offutt's lab includes three ROBD and HFT systems, which is the most for a single unit in the entire Air Force.

"This new approach to training aircrew basically brings the classic simulator environment with a reduced oxygen control system to allow us to tailor training in a safer and more effective manner," Mounts said. "In short, it allows us to offer a real world skill assessment while more effectively preparing our Airmen to confront the challenge and threats of hypoxia and reduced oxygen levels."

Hypoxia is the lack of oxygen in the brain which can cause severe to total impairment of function. Symptoms include dizziness, shortness of breath and mental confusion.

"It's a bittersweet moment for many of us," said Lt. Col. Thatcher Cardon, 55th Aerospace Medicine Squadron commander, who said he will miss the old chamber.

"However, this new technology is impressive and safer and what I like about it is that it allows us to be much more responsive to the mission and our customers in providing flexible and focused training," he said.

In addition to the training advantages, the new ROBD and HFT system also saves the Air Force money.

"With the old altitude chamber we had to bring in additional manpower to assist with training," said Capt. John Lavin, 55th AMDS Aerospace and Operational Physiology Team flight commander. "This should save the wing roughly $180,000 a year."

The new systems advancement in realism and safety will be a positive for the Airmen using it.

"Technology may change but the way the body reacts to hypoxia remains constant," Lavin said. "All aviators need to be prepared for the worst case scenario in the safest manner possible, which is what this new system is all about. The days of chamber training with 12 hours of various flight restrictions are over, and the specter of decompression sickness and trapped gas injuries are eliminated from our training. Once they complete the training, they walk out the door mission ready."