A319
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Total 20000
Physiological - Other; Troubleshooting
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Flight Crew Landed As Precaution; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
Detected dirty sock odor upon initial descent to ZZZ. Odor was also present in the cabin and described as very strong by the flight attendants. First Officer and I donned oxygen masks; assigned pilot flying and accomplished the quick action items. I notified the Dispatcher of our situation. The flight attendants called and said it was getting much worse in the cabin. I proceeded to the appropriate QRH checklist but did not have time to complete it. After landing; we taxied to our assigned gate. There was a delay getting the aircraft parked. Upon arrival passengers were notified that paramedics were available for anyone not feeling well. I called Dispatch to discuss the event. We called medical to evaluate our condition and they advised us not to fly at that point and to consider getting medical attention for our symptoms. The First Officer and I proceeded to the medical clinic in the airport where we were advised to go to the hospital to have a blood test done and for evaluation. The flight attendants had also gone to the hospital. When our blood tests came back; one flight attendant was found to have high carbon monoxide levels. He remained at the hospital for treatment and the rest of the crew was released. [Airbus] bleed air is susceptible to contamination. We should not have a parking delay. Getting everyone out of a hazardous environment as quickly as possible should be the focus for everyone. Both the First Officer and I noted that the O2 mask goggles were scratched and difficult to see through. Also; the Captain's O2 cord was quite tangled and caused unnecessary distraction. The checklist is cumbersome and too long. A checklist just for that type of fumes which isolates the offending pack as soon as possible may have limited everyone's exposure and prevented the ill effects the crew experienced.
A319 Captain reported increasingly strong 'dirty socks' odor on initial descent for landing. Entire flight crew were administered medical evaluation for health issues.