In-flight medical emergencies can be very stressful. However, they can be calmly managed when you are informed and prepared. Several in-flight incidents that resulted in medical emergencies have been in the news lately, including extreme turbulence and a metal door plug flying off an airplane in midair. While this kind of news is shocking to hear at first, there are ways to ensure safety during unexpected emergencies. 

We take safety very seriously at Monmouth Executive Airport, and our ultimate goal is to get everyone home to their loved ones after flying. That is why we strictly adhere to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) safety protocols and procedures. The NJ flight schools based at Monmouth incorporate all relevant emergencies into their training as well. In this article, we discuss common medical emergencies on flights, what medical equipment you should find on an airplane, and share a few valuable first aid tips.   

Common Medical Emergencies on Flights  

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that medical emergencies occur in one of six hundred flights. That is a low statistic when you realize it equals sixteen medical emergencies per one million passengers. The most common medical emergencies, according to the CDC, are:

• Syncope or presyncope (37%)
• Respiratory symptoms (12%)
• Nausea or vomiting (10%)
• Cardiac symptoms (8%)
• Seizures (6%)

Syncope is the medical term for fainting or passing out, while presyncope means you feel as if you are going to pass out, but don’t actually faint. Deaths onboard a commercial aircraft are rare, as only 0.3 percent of medical emergencies result in passengers dying. Onboard medical emergencies increase as general passenger numbers increase and more senior adults fly.

What Kind of Medical Equipment is Available on Flights?  

The FAA requires commercial aircraft to carry approved first aid kits, at least one approved emergency medical kit, and at least one approved automated external defibrillator (AED). All medical equipment on flights must be accessible to the crew, stored securely, and kept free from moisture, damaging temperatures, and dust. The number of first aid kits on each flight is based on the number of passenger seats, for example:  0-50 passenger seats require one first aid kit, while 250 seats and higher require four approved first aid kits. 

A list of items that must be included in the first aid kit and emergency medical kit is provided by the FAA. The first aid kit is basic, but the emergency medical kit contains items such as nitroglycerin tablets, epinephrine (adrenaline), and airway oropharyngeal in three different sizes.  

First Aid Tips While Flying

Flight attendants are trained in basic first aid procedures but are not generally certified for handling medical emergencies. Cabin crews must, during their preflight inspection, ensure that complete and sealed emergency kits are present in the cabin. We share a few first-aid tips to help you in an emergency.   

Dehydration. It occurs more quickly during flights due to the dry cabin air. Offer water and encourage fluid intake, but encourage the passenger to avoid alcohol and caffeine. 

Heart attacks. Administer aspirin if the person is conscious and not allergic to it. Be ready to start CPR and use the defibrillators if the passenger becomes unresponsive.  

Pregnancy and labor. Keep the mother comfortable and calm and seek help from any medical professionals on the flight.

Flight Diversion Procedures for Medical Emergencies  

The primary goal of in-flight medical emergencies is to stabilize the passenger until the flight can safely reach ground-based medical care. The captain is the final authority on an aircraft’s safe operation and determines which flight diversion procedures to follow. Before diverting the flight to the closest airport, the captain considers the ill passenger’s needs, the weather, terrain, landing conditions, and other factors.  

Airplane captains must report any death, illness, or other public health risk on board an aircraft to the relevant air traffic controller. They also indicate whether they are diverting the flight or continuing to their destination. 

Monmouth Jet Center is an alternative jetport to crowded New York City, Philadelphia and Jersey Shore gateway airports. We take safety very seriously, and understand the importance of managing in-flight medical emergencies in a calm manner. Contact us today to use our FBO services, join our flight school or rent hangar space for special events and video productions: https://monmouthjetcenter.com/