EMB ERJ 145 ER/LR
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Distraction; Human-Machine Interface; Time Pressure
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew FLC complied w / Automation / Advisory; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Aircraft; Human Factors
While conducting flight ZZZ to ZZZ1 in Aircraft X we were given our initial descent from FL360 to FL320 by ATC. Moments after I commanded the descent I noticed an amber indication on the EICAS that indicated CAB ALT at 8000 FT and rising and the PSI was only at 7.1. I pointed this out to the pilot monitoring as I grabbed the QRH; to reference what the PSI should be. During this I saw the CAB ALT begin to rise higher; and it became harder for me to take a breath. I recognized that my labored breath was likely a symptom of becoming hypoxic and I commanded 'masks on; notify ATC. Emergency descent.' The seat belt sign was already on and I notified our Flight Attendant of the situation. She advised me she was seated and we then initiated an emergency descent as per procedure. ATC assigned us 10;000 FT for a new altitude and asked if we needed to divert. The Pilot Monitoring initiated contact with company regarding the situation and given our distance from our destination and remaining fuel on board; it was decided among us all that continuing to ZZZ1 was still a safe option. We then advised ATC that we would continue. We leveled off at 10;000 feet and then removed our mask and continued to monitor the cabin pressure. I contacted our Flight Attendant for a situation update in the cabin. She advised she was okay; there were no injuries to any passengers and no one had any medical issues from the events either. Knowing that our cabin altitude went beyond normal limitations momentarily I [inquired] if the oxygen masks deployed. She advised me 'No. they did not.' I informed her that I would advise the passengers of the situation. In a calm tone I made a PA that there was an abnormality during the descent which prompted us to descent at faster rate. I apologized for the noise and the inconvenience and advised them to remain seated for the remainder of the flight and that we would be landing shortly. Though we advised ATC; when they inquired if we needed emergency equipment; that 'it was not needed at that time'; an alert 2 was still initiated and there were both fire and medical equipment standing by as conducted a normal landing. There were no further incidents with the flight. After parking the aircraft at the gate and all appropriate checklist were accomplished the pilot monitoring contacted Maintenance and advised them of the situation. During my setup check he noted that the display on the CPCS read 8;000 FT. He advised of what he saw; and reminded me to be certain to set that appropriate altitude of 800 FT. During my flow I set the controls to 800 FT as appropriate for ZZZ1's field elevation. He also advised Maintenance that after we leveled off the CPCS control panel read 800 and not 00800. I was never trained that if the first 2 digits are missing that this may cause an error. Maintenance advised him that they were going to replace the CPCS control panel.
EMB-145XR pilot reported the cabin altitude was abnormally high. Pilot executed a rapid descent.