What is the risk of descending too quickly from altitude?

Descending too quickly from altitude can lead to barotrauma, which is a condition resulting from the unequal pressure changes that occur in different parts of the body. As a person descends rapidly, the ambient pressure increases, but air trapped in body cavities (such as the lungs, sinuses, and middle ear) may not equalize quickly enough with the surrounding pressure. This disparity can cause implosion or tearing of tissues, leading to symptoms ranging from discomfort to more severe injuries, such as a ruptured eardrum or other complications.

Understanding the importance of controlled descent is essential in aerospace medical service, as rapid changes can have significant physiological effects on individuals, especially in environments where pressure changes are experienced swiftly, such as during flying or diving activities.