Pre-ejection

Gingerly pulling the pre-ejection lever and tossing precious maps, kneepads, and finally his helmet—which could get snagged and tear one's head off—he pulled the ejection-seat face curtain safely into place and banged a fist down on the eject button.

Wall motions are lower during ejection than during pre-ejection and isovolumic relaxation periods suggesting that a lot of energy is used when mitral and aortic valves are closed.