AVMED
Medical incidents and emergencies can occur on flights and the South African Civil Aviation Regulations require cabin crew members to have the skills to handle any medical emergency situation which could occur while they are on duty.
Flying can worsen passengers’ health especially in the elderly and those who have existing medical conditions. Pregnant passengers have given birth on flights and perfectly healthy passengers have also been known to suffer heart attacks and other fatal incidents while on board an aircraft. Some of these incidents are caused by the stress of air travel, altitude and excessive alcohol intake, to name but a few.
It is not always possible for an aircraft to be diverted when a passenger suffers a serious medical emergency and crew members are then required to take control. An announcement is normally made requesting the assistance of a medical doctor who may be travelling on the flight, but often, no doctor will be present.
Medical kits are carried on board which contain stocks of pain killers, eye drops etc. and a sealed Doctor’s Bag is stowed in a safe location for use by medically qualified personnel only.
The following emergency situations/modules that crew will be trained to handle will include, but are not limited to:
• Child Birth on Board
• Effects of flying altitude on the human body
• Cardiovascular, breathing and Central Nervous System problems
• Diabetes/Low Blood sugar/SHOCK / Dehydration
• Wounds, Burns, Sprains, Bleeding, Head, Neck and Spinal Injuries
• Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation, CPR and Choking
• The Chain of Survival
• AED Training (Automated External Defibrillation)
• Death on board
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