VIDEO: Is there a doctor on the plane? Expert offers tips for in-flight emergencies

SAN DIEGO — Responding to in-flight emergencies can be intimidating, but internists can prepare for that scenario by considering the types of medical problems that most often occur on board and what resources are available to them.

“All of you are qualified to help,” Jason D. Napolitano, MD, told Healio.

Napolitano, a hospitalist at UCLA, gave a presentation on the topic at this year’s ACP Internal Medicine meeting. Studies have shown that the most common conditions encountered on airplanes are ones that the “vast majority” of internists should feel comfortable treating — syncope, chest pain, asthma or COPD exacerbations, nausea and abdominal pain, he said.

In terms of resources, physicians can rely on help from the flight crew — which is trained in CPR and first aid — the captain and ground-based medical support, as well as other medical providers who might also be on the plane.

He also discussed the types of medical equipment on board, along with legal considerations for responding to in-flight emergencies.

“I’m happy to share that the Aviation Medical Assistance Act — which sort of falls under the good Samaritan laws — really gives us protection if we respond to help a fellow passenger on an airplane,” he said.

References:

• Napolitano JD. In-flight emergencies: Is there a doctor on the plane? Presented at: ACP Internal Medicine Meeting; April 27-29, 2023; San Diego.