AOCOPM 2023 Midyear Educational Conference-259668

259668 - Article 12

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The AOCOPM 2023 Midyear Educational Conference document outlines the efforts and mission of the United States Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory (USAARL). It emphasizes USAARL's commitment to enhancing the safety and performance of Army aviators, Airborne Soldiers, and Ground Warriors. USAARL aims to be the Army's leading entity in providing research and consultation on biomedical, physiological, and psychological issues affecting military personnel. Established in 1962, USAARL has evolved over the years, contributing significantly to aviation medicine by conducting technical evaluations, aeromedical research, and in-flight observations. <br /><br />USAARL has a comprehensive approach that integrates improving operator workload, occupant protection, and en route care. It collaborates closely with various Army departments, such as the Army Test & Evaluation Command and the Medical Research and Development Command, emphasizing human factors in aviation, given that human error accounted for 86% of rotary-wing accidents between 2009 and 2019.<br /><br />Current research at USAARL covers performance and protection, focusing on preventing spine, neck, and head injuries, and optimizing human potential through science and technology. Other thrusts include addressing excessive workload, managing workload with scalable autonomy, protecting future vertical lift (FVL) occupants, and safely transporting casualties. The laboratory supports the Combat Readiness Center in creating survivable accident investigations to improve safety systems and reduce soldier morbidity and mortality. USAARL's initiatives reflect its ongoing dedication to conserving flying strength, driving innovations that increase aircrew and passenger safety, and adapting military operations to current technological advances.

Keywords

USAARL

aeromedical research

Army aviators

occupant protection

human factors

aviation medicine

rotary-wing accidents

performance and protection

military personnel safety

technological advances