History of aviation medicine

The history of aviation medicine began largely after World War I, when aircraft needed to fly to higher altitudes.

In the Jet Age, aircraft became pressurised so rapid decompression became a hazard leading to passing out, high g-forces which led to G-LOC and ejection seats caused spinal compression and other injuries.

Much of the adverse health effects in aviation are caused by rapid changes in atmospheric pressure, such as decompression sickness.

Paul Bert (1833–1886) of France is known as the Father of Aviation Medicine, the first to research effects of air-pressure on health and oxygen toxicity; he worked with the French meteorologist Gaston Tissandier.

The United States passed its Air Commerce Act on 20 May 1926, which laid down medical regulations for commercial pilots.