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Emergency Medical Minute


 

Dec 29, 2017

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