Is there a doctor on board? The midair emergency call medical professionals dread
The Call to Action
Imagine being on a flight, miles above the ground, when suddenly you're faced with a life-threatening medical emergency. For medical professionals, this is a terrifying prospect, and it's a scenario they dread. But what happens when the call for help is made? Who steps forward to provide the necessary care?
The Midair Emergency
British Airways flight 032, en route to London, was still on the tarmac in Hong Kong when Professor Angus Wallace heard the dreaded announcement: "If there is a doctor on board, would they please make themselves known to cabin staff."
Wallace, then the head of orthopaedic surgery at Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham, answered the call, as did Dr. Tom Wong, a medical resident at the time. Together, they provided assistance to 39-year-old Paula Dixon, who had fallen off a motorbike en route to the airport.
The doctors diagnosed Dixon with a life-threatening tension pneumothorax and likely rib fractures. With no immediate access to ground staff, Wallace decided to operate. Using limited equipment, they managed to release the trapped air and save Dixon's life.
The Importance of In-Flight Medical Kits
In-flight medical emergencies are rare, occurring about every 604 flights, according to a US study. However, the vast majority occur on international flights, and deaths on board are even more rare. Despite this, the equipment carried on aircraft is not standardized, and Australian doctors have lamented the lack of a standard medical kit.
The Stress of Midair Assistance
Off-duty doctors in Australia have a professional obligation to assist in emergencies, but there is understandable reluctance to provide mid-air assistance, especially on international flights where jurisdiction is unclear. The stress of the medico-legal side and the unfamiliar environment can be overwhelming for medical professionals.
The Role of Airlines
Airlines like Qantas carry equipment well above regulatory requirements, including Narcan, EpiPens, antibiotics, and advanced airway tools. Their crew is trained to manage a wide range of medical situations, and they have successfully resuscitated passengers using CPR and defibrillators.
The Unlikely Event of a Death at 10,000 Metres
In the unlikely event of a death at 10,000 meters, what happens for the remainder of the journey? The International Air Transport Association's guidelines suggest moving the body to a seat with few other passengers nearby or back to their own seat if the plane is full. Restraining with a seatbelt and covering the body with a body bag or blanket is also recommended.
The Importance of Standardization
The lack of standardization in in-flight medical kits is a concern, and Australian doctors have called for a standard kit to be carried on all aircraft. With proper equipment and training, medical professionals can make a real difference in midair emergencies.
The Power of Human Connection
In the face of a medical emergency, the power of human connection cannot be understated. Whether it's a doctor stepping forward to save a life or a volunteer doctor offering support, the human spirit shines through in times of crisis. As we navigate the complexities of in-flight medical emergencies, let's remember the importance of standardization, the stress faced by medical professionals, and the power of human connection in times of need.
