Response capability during civil air carrier inflight medical emergencies
Hordinsky, J.R.; George, M.H.
Aviation Space and Environmental Medicine 60(12): 1211-1214
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0095-6562 PMID: 2604679 Document Number: 340315
Expanded civil aircraft medical emergency kits have been mandated on U.S. carriers since August 1986. Airlines provided the Federal Aviation Agency reports on medical kit usage and outcomes of the associated medical emergencies; 1,016 inflight medical events during the period August 1, 1986, through July 31, 1987, were available for review. Physicians responded to the emergencies in over 63% of the occurrences; the two most prevalent presenting situations were chest pain and syncopal episodes. Nine passengers died on board aircraft, and at least three deaths occurred postlanding. A minimum of 89 of the total cases resulted in flight diversions. The sphygmomanometer (739 cases) and stethoscope (734 cases) were the most frequently used kit items; oropharyngeal airways were utilized in 14 cases. Since standardized reporting formats are not required, evaluation of response capability remains incomplete.