Final answer:
The first aid oxygen requirements for flights with a cabin pressure at 8,000' or higher include ensuring enough oxygen for the crew and passengers to breathe for 30 minutes in the event of a loss of cabin pressure. This is to prevent hypoxia, a condition caused by insufficient oxygen in the body's tissues. The crew members are trained on how to distribute and use the oxygen equipment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first aid oxygen requirements for flights with a cabin pressure at 8,000' or higher is regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States. According to FAA regulations, for flights at these high altitudes, the aircraft must be equipped with enough oxygen for the crew and passengers to breathe for 30 minutes in the event of a loss of cabin pressure. This ensures that people on board have a sufficient supply of oxygen until the aircraft descends to a lower altitude where the air is more breathable.
The requirement for oxygen is based on the assumption that there will be a drop in cabin pressure due to the high altitude. When the cabin pressure drops, the amount of oxygen molecules available per unit volume decreases. This can lead to hypoxia, which is a condition caused by insufficient oxygen in the body's tissues. By providing supplemental oxygen, the crew and passengers can prevent or alleviate the symptoms of hypoxia.
In addition to the 30-minute supply of oxygen, there must be enough masks or other devices to provide oxygen to all occupants. These devices should be readily accessible and easy to use. The crew members are trained on how to properly distribute and use the oxygen equipment in case of an emergency.