Rapid Decompression
Can someone please explain why when a pressurised aircraft suffers a rapid decompression you only have 20 or so seconds of consciousness before hypoxia renders you unconscious when over 10,000 feet, when most fit people can easily hold their breath for over 1 minute. I can understand why a person would be immediately disabled if the aircraft should suffer an Explosive decompression such as the Payne Stewart accident but would like more information on the effects of rapid decompression on a person.
Regards
Beaver