Concern over airline medical care

The medical care available to people who fall ill on planes varies considerably between airlines, according to a report.

The medical care available to people who fall ill on planes varies considerably between airlines, according to a report. The British Medical Association says that while some airlines carry state of the art equipment others only have basic medical kits. It has called for new rules to ensure all airlines have adequate equipment. The UK’s Civil Aviation Authority welcomed the report. Wide variations In Europe, cabin crew must be trained in first aid. Airlines must also carry emergency medical kits. However, the BMA says there are few rules on what standards cabin crew must achieve or what precisely should be in kits. In America, airlines are advised to carry first aid kits but there is no formal requirement. The BMA says new rules are needed to ensure all airlines can provide adequate medical care to passengers if needed. In particular, it wants clear guidelines on what standards cabin crew must meet and on what should be in kits. It also wants airlines to put defibrillators, which can be used to resuscitate heart attack patients, on planes. “If air passengers’ health is to be properly protected however, much better regulation on in-flight medical equipment, and quality of staff training on delivering emergency care, is essential,” said Dr Vivienne Nathanson, its head of science and ethics. The number of passengers who fall ill on planes is low. A study carried out in the United States in the 1980s put the figure at one in every 33,600 passengers. However, another study carried out in 2002 put the figure at one in every 1,400 passengers. The report also includes advice for doctors on how to deal with patients who are about to fly. It covers a wide range of issues, ranging from fear of flying to deep vein thrombosis. It says further research is needed to determine what steps passengers should take to avoid potentially dangerous blood clots. At present, passengers are advised to move around the plane at regular intervals and to avoid dehydration. Some take aspirin before the flight or use compression stockings. However, the report says there is only limited evidence to suggest that these are effective. “While some valuable work has been done, this report shows that much more research is needed on key issues such as DVT if health professionals and the public alike are to understand and counter the medical risks posed by flying,” said Dr Nathanson. A spokesman for the CAA said: “We welcome the publication of the BMA report.” He added: “The UK government has set up the Aviation Health Unit – the first of its type in the world – within the CAA with the task of collating existing research, indicating areas where more research is needed and of providing advice and guidance to all concerned in the field of passenger health. This is in accord with the BMA guide. “The AHU is also involved in international discussions covering all aspects of passenger health and will pass any recommendations to the Department for Transport.” (Source: BBC Health News, May 2004)