Blog | Air ambulance | Repatriation from abroad (2024)

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The last thing you want to think about as you fly to your summer vacation destination is getting sick on the plane. Nonetheless, medical emergencies in the sky are more common than you might think. How will you be treated if you pass out, choke, or become ill during a flight? This article explains how medical emergencies on commercial planes are handled. Read till the end to find out how we organize our medical flights to meet the needs of critically ill and severely injured passengers.

Common medical emergencies that might occur on a plane?

The most common in-flight medical emergencies involve:

• Seizures;
• Cardiac symptoms;
• Nausea or vomiting;
• Respiratory problems and
• Lightheadedness or fainting.

Rare in-flight medical emergencies involve:

• Ear pain;
• Headache;
• Laceration;
• Cardiac arrest and
• Obstetrical or gynecological symptoms.

There is no such thing as a risk-free flight in terms of health and safety. A medical emergency will occur on approximately one out of every 600 commercial flights, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. This amounts to approximately 44,000 flights per year worldwide, which means airlines must be prepared to handle medical emergencies occurring on commercial flights.

Medical emergencies on flights are classified as either health-related or injury-related. Gastrointestinal issues, allergic reactions, shortness of breath, heart attacks and strokes are all examples of health-related issues. Anxiety about the flight, dizziness, and fainting can also result in serious consequences. In extremely rare cases, food poisoning or a communicable disease can affect multiple passengers at the same time. Scalds or burns caused by contact with galley ovens or hot liquids, an onboard altercation, luggage falling from an overhead bin, or turbulence can result in injuries.

Furthermore, high altitude may increase the risk of in-flight medical events because, while airlines pressurize their cabins, they are not necessarily pressurized to sea level. Simply put, you're breathing in dry air. As a result, passengers with underlying medical issues, such as cardiovascular or respiratory issues, are more likely to experience an in-flight medical event. The same is true for passengers who have recently had surgery or are traveling with a plaster cast. The unfamiliar cabin environment, combined with the confined space and long periods of immobilization, can lead to the formation of blood clots and, eventually, deep vein thrombosis, for example.

In the most severe cases, access to rapid treatment on aircraft is limited. As a result, while cardiac arrest, obstetric and gynecologic problems, and strokes are rare, they are more likely to necessitate an emergency landing. Some commercial flight medical emergencies are heartbreaking One example is the case of, such as Ed Gilligan (American Express President), who died on a flight in 2015 after suffering from a sudden heart attack. These are, thankfully, extremely rare.

How are medical emergencies handled onboard a commercial plane?

Trained in first aid, flight attendants have access to basic medical supplies, such as bandages and cold packs onboard. However, it is crucial to remember that they are not paramedics and lack the necessary training and resources to deal with serious medical emergencies. This explains why most airlines adhere to strict protocols in the event of a medical emergency, so that the crew knows exactly how to proceed.

Discovery

Aside from direct observation, flight attendants may become aware of a medically distressed passenger through a traveling companion or a nearby passenger who brings the situation to their attention. The first flight attendant on the scene will typically take charge of the patient and notify the rest of the crew, who will then provide any necessary assistance.

Response

The flight crew's response will be influenced by the nature of the problem, the level of urgency for medical intervention, as well as the location and phase of flight in which the emergency occurs. No decisions are made until the assessment and diagnosis process is completed, unless the passenger is in a life-threatening condition.

Assessment

The preliminary evaluation varies according to the patient's condition. If they are awake, the flight attendant will inquire about the source of their distress. If they are not responding, the initial evaluation will include the ABCs of first aid:

• Is the patient's airway blocked?
• Is the patient breathing?
• Is a heartbeat detectable?

If any of these questions is answered negatively, appropriate first aid techniques such as the Heimlich maneuver or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) will be initiated.

Many airlines typically work with emergency medical service providers such as MedAire's MedLink or Stat MD. These service providers can be contacted during the flight using a satellite phone. Direct communication with an emergency room or trauma center is also possible. But, let's be honest, without proper medical training and equipment, this may be of little use.

What are the medical equipment available on commercial planes?

Commercial aircraft almost always have one or more first-aid kits (FAK). The majority of the items required to treat a non-life-threatening injury such as a cut, a burn, or a broken bone are contained in these. Therapeutic oxygen can be made available if requested prior to the flight, typically in portable oxygen cylinders equipped with a regulator and mask. Passengers with breathing difficulties or other symptoms that necessitate the use of supplemental oxygen are usually given oxygen by the cabin crew.

For heart-related emergencies, most commercial aircraft are outfitted with an automated external defibrillator (AED). Flight attendants receive CPR training and are certified to use this equipment. Finally, many commercial aircraft are equipped with a physician's kit or emergency medical kit, which includes a variety of drugs as well as diagnostic and invasive medical instruments. Flight attendants, on the other hand, are not trained or qualified to administer medications. The contents of this kit can only be accessed and administered by a licensed medical practitioner, if one is available onboard.

Finally, it is reasonable to assert that commercial aircraft are not intended to be flying clinics. They are not designed to respond to every type of medical emergency, and the cabin crew is not trained to handle every situation that may arise.

Why are commercial medical escorts the right option for you?

A medical escort, also known as a patient escort, is advised to anyone who has non-urgent medical needs and risks and requires transportation from point A to point B. They will accompany the patient on a commercial airliner all the way to their destination. They will help them stay safe and comfortable throughout the flight, ensuring a successful journey. The patient can sit in one of the plane's seats, or the airline may have provisions for the patient to travel on a stretcher.

A medical escort is most useful in non-emergency situations. Following surgery, a medical escort may be required to transport the stabilized patient home. A post-operative medical escort will ensure that the patient arrives at their destination safely and with all necessary assistance. If an unexpected situation arises, a medical escort doctor may be able to provide emergency treatment.

Hiring a medical escort is also appropriate when a patient must change locations while being closely monitored by a doctor. While traveling away from home or abroad, for example, you or a loved one may become ill. A medical escort can give you peace of mind that you're getting the care you need when you return home.

What kinds of services can medical escorts offer while traveling?

Our medical escort services are tailored to the specific needs of the patient and are subject to change on an individual basis. Here are some typical medical escort services:

• Reducing the patient’s stress and anxiety
• Assisting them with boarding and exiting the plane
• Monitoring their overall health to ensure a stable condition
• Administering pain relievers or other medications as needed

Other services can be provided based on your specific demands. When requesting a quote and booking your medical escort, be sure to include your or your loved one's exact medical condition and needs.

Air ambulances: an alternative and why you should opt for it

A medical jet is an aircraft that has been fully equipped with special medical equipment that allows it to function as a flying ambulance (hence the term "air ambulances").

Let us give you an overview of what to expect to give you a better idea of the benefits we provide.

Our consultants will direct you to the services best suited to your health condition after you have explained your needs and booked a medical flight. Because you or a loved one may have mobility issues or complex medical needs, we strongly advise you to use our personalized bed-to-bed transfer service. We will send a fully equipped ground ambulance and a medical team consisting of at least one doctor and one paramedic to pick you up on the day of your flight.

During ground transportation to the nearest airport terminal to your home or the health care facility to which you have been admitted, you will receive the necessary attention and care. In fact, we place a high value on minimizing travel time. In addition, there is no need to wait in line for baggage check-in or security checks once you arrive at the airport. Our team handles these procedures, which are more straightforward than those on a regular flight.

Our medical jets have wide doors and ramps that allow the stretcher to be easily transferred inside the cabin. The stretcher can be installed and secured in a predetermined location in the cabin so that the rigors of takeoff or landing do not jeopardize your safety. Our medical aircraft are equipped similarly to a modern and sophisticated intensive care unit. Our armada of cutting-edge medical devices can include supplemental oxygen and ventilation equipment, as well as medications and intravenous solutions. We also take precautions to avoid pressure sores, especially on long-distance trips.

When you arrive at your destination, a new ground ambulance adhering to similar safety measures will pick you up from the private airport terminal. Once again, a medical team will accompany you to your home or a suitable care facility to ensure a smooth transition. In fact, we frequently follow up with your family to ensure your well-being.

Think a private medical flight will break the bank? Learn more about our cheap medical flights here. Our consultants are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide you with a free, no-obligation quote. Furthermore, our prices are completely customizable. This means there are no hidden fees, and you only pay for the services you select.

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