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Flying at 12,000 feet without oxygen can be very dangerous and should not be attempted unless absolutely necessary. The human body is not capable of surviving at such altitudes without supplemental oxygen for more than a few minutes. The exact amount of time a person can survive without oxygen depends on multiple factors, including their physical health, the temperature, and the humidity. Generally, a person can survive up to two minutes without oxygen at 12,000 feet.
Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness, or acute mountain sickness (AMS), is a condition that can affect those traveling to higher altitudes. Symptoms of altitude sickness include headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and difficulty breathing. As altitude increases, the air gets thinner, resulting in a decrease in oxygen and an increase in carbon dioxide. At 12,000 feet, the oxygen level is only 75% of what it is at sea level. This decrease in oxygen can cause the body to become overwhelmed, resulting in altitude sickness.
Hypoxia
Hypoxia is a condition in which the body is deprived of oxygen. Symptoms of hypoxia include confusion, dizziness, and fatigue. If medical attention is not sought right away, hypoxia can lead to coma, seizures, or even death. Flying at 12,000 feet without oxygen can quickly lead to hypoxia, so it is important to make sure you have a supplemental oxygen source or are able to descend to a lower altitude quickly.
High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema
High-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) is a condition that can occur when a person is exposed to low levels of oxygen at high altitudes. Symptoms of HAPE include shortness of breath, fatigue, and a build-up of fluid in the lungs. If left untreated, HAPE can be fatal. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention immediately if you suspect you or someone else is suffering from HAPE while flying at 12,000 feet without oxygen.
In conclusion, flying at 12,000 feet without oxygen can be dangerous and should not be attempted unless absolutely necessary. Even with a supplemental oxygen source, the human body is not capable of surviving at such altitudes for more than a few minutes without medical attention. If you suspect you or someone else is suffering from altitude sickness, hypoxia, or HAPE, it is important to seek medical attention right away.
