TECH TALK IMEDICAL EMERGENCIES
With air travel continuing to grow globally, and the number of passengers and flights increasing each year, the need to handle medical emergencies while in the air is also intensified. According to industry reports, it is estimated that commercial airlines will carry 4.5 billion passengers in 2019. This trend is exasperated due to the popularity of low-cost airlines and their expansion into long-haul flights — which has allowed a higher percentage of the population to travel more economically. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine estimates that one (1) medical emergency occurs per every 604 flights, which corresponds to approximately sixteen (16) medical events per every one million passengers. The most common in- flight medical emergencies, according to this study, are lightheadedness/ loss of consciousness (37.4%), respiratory symptoms (12.1%), nausea or vomiting (9.5%), cardiac symptoms (7.7%), and seizures (5.8%). Statistically speaking, it can be expected that in Y2019 that we will have ~72,000 medical emergencies while in flight.
The study also indicated that although cardiac arrest, obstetric and gynecologic problems, and strokes were among the least common emergencies, these type of episodes were more often responsible for diverting an aircraft. There were unscheduled landings in ~7% of emergencies, usually due to a cardiac arrest. And ~26% of passengers with in-flight medical emergencies were transported to a hospital upon landing, 9% of the people were
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actually admitted, and only 0.3% of these people died (nice to see such a low percentage). Another study published in 2018
by the University of Toronto noted that more elderly passengers are flying, along with more people taking long-haul flights, which “subject passengers to longer exposure to physiologic stressors,” the study showed. The first study mentioned earlier noted that “on-board assistance was provided by physicians (48.1%), nurses (20.1%), EMS providers (4.4%), or other health care professionals (3.7%)”, which is unquestionably fortunate for those needing such assistance.
PROBLEMS WITH THE
EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES Flight attendants are given training in first aid and handling various types of situations, and passenger aircraft are required to have Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)–mandated emergency medical kits, which may be supplemented by individual airline’s needs. The lack of more thorough medical training for flight personnel does provide challenges in certain situations (historical footnote, in the early days of travel stewardesses were required to be registered nurses). There are many documented cases (and resulting lawsuits) when these mandated medical kits were not replenished from previous uses or medical supplies or equipment on onboard was missing or not operational. This last set of problems is obviously a process issue for a carrier, and more attention needs to be paid to this as lives are on the line.
HOW TECHNOLOGY
CAN IMPROVE THIS With all of the significant advancements in personal electronic devices technology, namely smartwatches and higher-end fitness trackers, and with more sensors being installed in the cabin of an aircraft, the question is how to make use of what passengers may be wearing, or, make use of Internet-enabled portable medical equipment on an aircraft? In-flight Entertainment (IFE) systems have broadband connectivity, and in many cases still are installed at each seat (for now), or at least can reach anyone in the cabin with a portable electronic device with communication capabilities. The IFE can serve as a communications interface to any device, portable or installed. There are now manufacturers who are offering upgraded seating with more sensors
BY JOHN PAWLICKI | OPM RESEARCH N FLIGHT — TECH TO THE RESCUE
Many airlines and operators contract with health care delivery groups which provide flight crew with on the ground resources to assist when needed. This has proven valuable and has undoubtedly saved many lives over the years. And often, when needed, some type of medical professional will volunteer when called upon. Airlines may require that flight crew (and volunteers) consult with their contracted ground-based doctor before using the onboard emergency medical kit. All of this is necessary and an excellent service to the flying public, but it does seem as if more can be done. This is where technology comes in.
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