Podcast #284: Plane Emergencies

Author: Erik Verzemneicks, M.D. Educational Pearls 1/600 flights has an on-board request for medical assistance. Most common complaints on board include: syncope, respiratory complaints, and GI complaints. Most of the time, these are exacerbations of underlying chronic conditions. Except for situations involving gross negligence, the Aviation Assistance Act protects providers from legal action as long as they are acting within their scope of practice. Flight crew are CPR and AED trained. The onboard medical kit includes: epinephrine, dextrose, nitroglycerin, NSAIDs, injectable antihistamine, antiemetic, steroids, beta-blocker,  aspirin, stethoscope, BP cuff, airway tools, thermometer and more. There is ground-based medical control for consult and guidance. References: https://www.acep.org/Clinical---Practice-Management/Emergency-at-30,000-Feet---What-You-Can-Do/#sm.0001eqpidqrpoczltzg1epg0m0aqu