10.34 Blood Donation

10.34.2 Describe the effect on the body of donating blood.

Donating blood can have several effects on the body of a pilot, including:

1. Temporary decrease in blood volume:

Donating blood can cause a temporary decrease in blood volume, which can reduce the amount of oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.

This can cause feelings of light-headedness, dizziness, or fainting, which can be dangerous for a pilot.

2. Temporary decrease in cognitive function:

Donating blood can also cause a temporary decrease in cognitive function, which can affect a pilot's ability to make quick decisions or react to changing situations.

This can be particularly dangerous during flight.

3. Increased risk of hypoxia:

Hypoxia is a condition in which the body is deprived of oxygen.