Airports And Medical Emergencies: Doctors On The Ground

Medical emergencies during flights are uncommon but they do happen. In fact, according to a study in the New England Journal of Medicine, around one in every 600 commercial flights will experience some sort of medical encounter. While it is unlikely that there will be a qualified medical professional on board, research has shown that there are doctors on board as many as 70% of all commercial flights. In the case of a medical emergency, flight attendants are responsible for caring for sick passengers and cabin crew are trained to administer first aid. In more serious situations, the flight may be diverted, although this is costly for airlines and usually only happens in the most severe cases. On the ground, several major airports have walk-in medical clinics, although these are not always open or available.

Medical emergencies during flights are uncommon but require quick thinking and action

During a flight, medical emergencies are usually handled by the cabin crew, with up to 70% of in-flight emergencies managed without additional assistance. However, if a health care professional is on board and willing to help, they should first ensure they are in an appropriate condition to render aid, before identifying themselves to the cabin crew. The volunteer physician should then perform a history and physical examination, and inform the cabin crew of their clinical impressions and recommendations.

The aircraft environment is physically constrained and resource-limited, so volunteer physicians should know what is available in on-board emergency medical kits, coordinate their therapy with the flight crew and remote resources, and provide care within their scope of practice.

Cabin crew are trained to administer first aid and have basic resources onboard

Cabin crew are trained to administer first aid and carry first aid equipment onboard. Their training covers a range of emergency scenarios, including burns and scalds, and they are equipped to handle medical cases. While the specifics of their training may vary, it typically includes safety and emergency procedure training, fire and smoke training, survival training, and crew resource management. This training is designed to prepare cabin crew for any eventuality onboard and ensure they can provide immediate assistance to passengers in need of medical attention.

Cabin crew are often the first responders in an emergency situation and their quick thinking and action can make a significant difference to the outcome. In addition to their training, they have basic resources and equipment onboard to assist with medical issues. This includes items such as towels, ice, cooling gels, and dressings, which can be used to treat injuries and provide relief to passengers.

The level of medical care that cabin crew can provide is limited to first aid, and in more serious situations, they may need to divert the flight to the nearest suitable airport to request medical assistance on the ground. However, their training and the resources they carry can be crucial in stabilising a passenger until further medical help can be obtained.

While cabin crew are trained to handle a range of medical situations, there have been instances where their training has been called into question. For example, in one instance, a passenger on a Ryanair flight suffered burns from scalding tea and claimed that the first aid care she received from a flight attendant was incorrect. This incident sparked a debate about the adequacy of cabin crew training and whether it equipped them to handle common accidents, such as hot drink spills, effectively.

Despite this, cabin crew are generally well-prepared to administer first aid and have the basic resources necessary to provide initial medical assistance. Their training and quick thinking can often make a positive difference in emergency situations, ensuring the safety and well-being of passengers until further medical help arrives.

Major airports have paramedics, ambulances, and life-sustaining equipment for first aid and emergencies

Paramedics are always on hand at airports to help those in need, and ambulances are ready to transport any injured people to hospitals. In addition, some airports have walk-in medical clinics that can provide various services, from primary medical care to specialized treatments. These clinics can be extremely useful for travellers who need medical attention during their journey.

For example, the Vancouver Airport Medical Clinic offers primary, family, and specialized care, including travel medicine, physiotherapy, podiatry, and acute injury management. Similarly, the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has partnered with Reliant Urgent Care Medical Group to provide travel immunizations, an onsite pharmacy, and urgent medical care.

Furthermore, airports also have life-sustaining equipment for first aid and emergency situations. This includes things like AEDs (automated external defibrillators) and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) training for staff. Flight attendants, in particular, are often trained in first aid and CPR to provide immediate assistance to passengers in need.

Overall, major airports are well-equipped to handle medical emergencies and provide first aid care to travellers. With paramedics, ambulances, and life-sustaining equipment readily available, airports can ensure the safety and well-being of their passengers and staff.

Some airports have medical clinics, which offer a range of services, from primary care to immunizations

Some airports have medical clinics, offering a range of services from primary care to immunizations. These clinics can be incredibly useful for travellers, especially in cases of allergic reactions, dehydration, or even heart attacks. They can also be a convenient way to receive a prescription or a vaccination before travelling.

For example, the SFO Medical Clinic in San Francisco provides travel medicine, urgent care, immigration physicals, and occupational health services. Similarly, the Vancouver Airport Medical Clinic offers primary, family, and specialized care, including travel medicine, physiotherapy, and acute injury management. These clinics are often located within the airport terminal, making them easily accessible for travellers.

In addition to in-person consultations, some airport medical clinics offer telemedicine services, allowing travellers to consult with a doctor remotely. This can be especially useful for travellers who may not have the time for an in-person appointment. For instance, the Toronto Pearson Airport's Appletree Medical Group offers both in-clinic and telemedicine appointments.

While not all airports have on-site medical facilities, those that do can provide valuable peace of mind for travellers. These clinics typically offer a range of services, ensuring that travellers can access the care they need while on the go.

It is recommended to see a physician before travelling if you are unwell

While some larger airports have medical clinics, it is recommended to see a physician before travelling if you are unwell. This is because not all airports have medical facilities, and even those that do may not be equipped to deal with more serious or complex medical issues.

If you are feeling under the weather before your trip, it is a good idea to consult your regular doctor or a travel clinic to ensure you are fit to fly. They can advise you on any necessary precautions or treatments and provide you with medications or other recommendations to help manage your condition during your journey.

Additionally, a pre-travel health check can identify any potential health risks associated with your destination. For example, they can advise on required immunisations or any specific health concerns related to your travel plans, such as motion sickness or altitude sickness. They can also provide you with general travel health advice, such as how to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) during long flights or how to manage jet lag effectively.

By taking this proactive approach, you can help ensure that you are physically prepared for your trip and reduce the risk of any unexpected health issues arising during your journey. This can ultimately contribute to a more enjoyable and stress-free travel experience.

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