Medical Emergencies on Flights: What Happens and How It's Handled

Medical emergencies can happen at any time, and flights are no exception. When a medical incident occurs during a flight, a series of carefully planned procedures are initiated to ensure the safety and welfare of the passenger. This article delves into the steps taken during such incidents, focusing on the roles of pilots, flight attendants, and ground support in providing effective and timely medical assistance.

Understanding the Pilot's Role

The primary responsibility of the pilot is to ensure the safe operation of the aircraft. In the event of a medical emergency, the pilot's focus remains on flying the plane and bringing it down safely to the nearest appropriate airport where medical assistance can be swiftly provided. As the flight progresses, communication between the cockpit and the crew is crucial in evaluating and responding to the situation.

Cabin Crew's Immediate Response

Flight attendants, who are often the first responders to an emergency, play a vital role in the first moments of a medical incident. They are trained to perform basic first aid and can make initial assessments. In cases that seem serious, the flight attendants will contact the captain and initiate the emergency procedure checklist. When a pilot or flight attendant encounters a medical emergency, they may need to divert the plane to the nearest airport that can provide adequate medical assistance.

Procedure for Diversion and Medical Assistance

The process of diverting an aircraft and providing medical assistance is intricate. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the actions taken:

Initial Assessment and Notification: The flight attendants will quickly assess the situation and notify the captain of the incident. If the situation is severe, they will request any medical professionals on board to provide assistance. Compiling Information: The crew will use a card with a grease pencil to collect critical information such as the patient's name, seat number, age, gender, symptoms, and vital signs. This information is crucial for diverting the aircraft to the nearest appropriate airport. Contacting Authorities: The pilots will contact dispatch and a company called MedLink, which will coordinate medical treatment advice and begin planning the diversion. Flight and Ground Coordination: Once the current location of the plane and the location of the nearest airport with medical facilities are known, the crew will begin coordinating with ATC for priority handling. This includes possibly flying to an alternative airport and contacting the receiving medical facility to prepare for the arrival. Ground Support and Services: Dispatch will arrange services such as fuel, catering, maintenance, and ensuring that an ambulance is waiting at the gate. The flight crew will also inform the passengers about the situation to minimize panic.

Coordination and Communication

Effective communication is key in these situations. The flight crew will coordinate with various entities, including the cabin crew, ATC, dispatch, and MedLink. A designated person will handle the communication while the other focuses on the flight path and navigation. This ensures that the pilot's primary responsibility, maintaining flight safety, is not compromised.

Story of a Diversion

A real-life example illustrates the complexity of diverting a plane due to a medical emergency. Years ago, a flight was diverted to a new airport in Atlanta when the hospital ER was overwhelmed. Despite the increased enroute time, ATC worked diligently to direct the plane to the busiest airport in the US. Upon landing, ATC and the airline worked together to provide necessary services and ensure that the medical team was ready to receive the patient.

Conclusion

While medical emergencies on flights are rare, they do happen, and it's essential to understand the procedures in place to handle them effectively. By knowing the roles and responsibilities of the flight crew, pilots, and ground support, passengers and travelers can gain a better understanding of how these incidents are managed to ensure the safety of everyone on board.