Is there a doctor on board?
You are midway through a routine flight, when suddenly a passenger collapses clutching his chest and struggling to breathe. This is one of the situations that cabin crew are trained to deal with and aircrafts are equipped for. So, what are some of the most common medical emergencies?
This event – a heart attack – is the leading cause of in – flight death, and the leading medical cause of diversions. Medical kits include aspirin and vasodilator spray to keep the blood flowing when there is a chest pain. In case of cardiac arrest, cabin crew are trained to give CPR, while many airlines now also carry defibrillators to restart the heart. Cardiac monitors are used increasingly, so that the data can be transmitted to medical advisors on the ground.
A large number of diversions are caused by injuries to passengers. Items falling from the overhead bins are a common cause of head injury, while unexpected turbulence can easily result in broken bones. First – aid kits are equipped with splints and bandages to stabilize limbs, as well as plasters for minor cuts.
Asthma is a common condition that can be life – threatening, especially when the sufferer’s inhaler is in the baggage compartment. In addition to oxygen, bronchodilators and adrenaline are kept in order to open up the airways.
Dangerous breathing problems can also result from severe allergic reaction, which worries airlines so much that some no longer serve peanuts. Most carry EpiPens, as well as antihistamine and adrenaline to prevent anaphylactic shock.
Most medical kits contain glucose and glucagon injections to treat passengers who suffer hypoglycaemic episodes. The disruption of regular eating habits can lead to dangerous a dangerous drop in blood sugar levels.