Analysis of medical emergencies in commercial flights and utility of medical resources onboard

Abstract

Objectives: Civil aviation in India is flourishing and has resulted in a substantial increase in air travel. Hence, the increase in the number of in-flight emergencies is not unanticipated. This study attempts to analyze the incidence of medical emergencies that occurred on board in a single major Indian domestic airline and to assess the adequacy of the medical equipment provided in the in-flight emergency kits. Material and Methods: A retrospective analysis was carried out of the narrative summaries of all medical events reported by the cabin crew of one major airline in the domestic sector. The data represented an average of 39.9% of total domestic passenger volume from January 2015 to December 2017. An assessment of available medical resources onboard and their utility in managing the medical events was carried out. A comparative study was also attempted on the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) recommendations on onboard medical resources and those of other regulatory agencies. Results: A total of 221 in-flight emergencies were reported from the sample. Breathlessness (n = 52) was the most common presenting symptom and cardiovascular conditions (n = 68) were the most commonly diagnosed medical illnesses. Four deaths on board were reported. Medical kits recommended by DGCA, India, are comprehensive and carry most of the required medications. Conclusion: Civil aviation in India is growing with more citizens using airlines for regular commutes and, hence, the likely incidence of more in-flight emergencies. A standardized system for reporting all in-flight medical emergencies, including their outcomes, should be made available to have a better understanding of the problem statement and guide suitable mitigating actions.