RAF Centre of Aviation Medicine

RAF Centre of Aviation Medicine (CAM) is a specialist medical organisation within the Royal Air Force (RAF) that focuses on the research, development, and application of aviation medicine to support the health, performance, and well-being of RAF personnel. The Centre is pivotal in ensuring that aircrew and other aviation-related personnel can operate effectively and safely in the demanding environments encountered in military aviation.

History

The origins of the RAF Centre of Aviation Medicine date back to the early 20th century, with the establishment of the RAF Medical Services. However, it was during and after World War II that the need for a dedicated aviation medicine research and training facility became apparent, leading to the formation of the current Centre. Over the years, CAM has been at the forefront of advancements in aviation medicine, contributing significantly to the understanding of the effects of high altitude and high-speed flight on the human body.

Location

The RAF Centre of Aviation Medicine is located at RAF Henlow in Bedfordshire, England. This location provides a central base for its operations, research, and training activities.

Roles and Responsibilities

The primary role of the RAF Centre of Aviation Medicine is to enhance the operational effectiveness and safety of RAF personnel through the application of aviation medicine. This includes:

• Research: Conducting scientific research to understand the physiological and psychological challenges associated with military aviation and finding solutions to mitigate these challenges.
• Training: Providing education and training to medical professionals, aircrew, and other RAF personnel on aviation medicine and related subjects.
• Operational Support: Offering expert advice and support on medical issues to RAF units and commands, including the development of life support and protective equipment for aircrew.
• Clinical Services: Delivering specialist clinical services to assess and manage the health and fitness of aircrew and other personnel exposed to the unique stresses of aviation environments.

Facilities and Capabilities

The RAF Centre of Aviation Medicine is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment to support its mission. These include:

• Hyperbaric chambers for studying and treating conditions related to pressure changes, such as decompression sickness.
• Flight simulators to research the effects of flight and g-forces on the human body and to develop countermeasures.
• Laboratories for conducting a wide range of physiological and psychological research.

Notable Contributions

Over the years, the RAF Centre of Aviation Medicine has made numerous contributions to the field of aviation medicine, including:

• Developing techniques and equipment to protect aircrew from the effects of high altitude and acceleration.
• Advancing the understanding of motion sickness, spatial disorientation, and other challenges faced by aircrew.
• Contributing to the design and improvement of life support systems and cockpit ergonomics in military aircraft.

See Also

• Aviation medicine
• Royal Air Force
• RAF Henlow
• Aerospace medicine