How Often Do Medical Emergencies Occur On Airplanes? What Passengers And Physicians Need To Know

In a recent article by Dr. Paulo Alves and colleagues, the frequency of in-flight medical emergencies was investigated. According to their research, out of 77,000 medical events on commercial flights, in-flight medical events occurred in 1 out of 212 flights. Most of the time, the flight did not need to be diverted for an emergency landing, with only 1.7% of medical events requiring an unscheduled diversion to a closer airport. The most common reasons for diversions were suspected stroke or acute cardiac emergencies.

Fortunately, the majority of patients experiencing in-flight medical events did well. Only 0.4% of patients required CPR, and only 0.4% of patients died during the flight or shortly after landing. The most frequently administered treatment was oxygen, followed by non-narcotic pain relievers and anti-nausea medications. The captain ultimately has the final decision on whether to divert a flight, taking into consideration recommendations from on-board physicians, as well as weather, fuel status, and overall safety.

For passengers experiencing in-flight medical events, it’s important to remember that you will likely be okay. The flight crew can easily connect volunteer medical helpers with emergency physicians on the ground for real-time assistance. If you have a condition that may affect your breathing, consider bringing your own oxygen on board, as the cabin air pressure is equivalent to 6,000-8,000 feet above sea level.

For physicians responding to in-flight emergencies, it’s essential to ask for assistance from ground-based physicians if needed. Good Samaritan laws typically protect healthcare providers who provide care in emergency situations. Providing oxygen for respiratory difficulties and giving sugar for low blood sugar can help stabilize patients until further medical attention is available.

In a personal experience shared by a radiologist responding to a medical emergency on a flight, a passenger experiencing difficulty breathing was stabilized with the help of the medical kit on board. Despite being unable to divert the plane, the passenger remained stable until landing, where paramedics took over for further evaluation.

In-flight medical emergencies are rare but can happen. By being prepared and following proper protocols, passengers and physicians can optimize outcomes in these situations. For more information and guidance on handling in-flight medical emergencies, physicians are encouraged to reference the classic review article from the New England Journal Of Medicine, “In-Flight Medical Emergencies during Commercial Travel.”