Doctor on board
In response to Luisa de Oliveira’s query about in-flight medical emergencies (Writer’s Block, July 13), this is what the airlines had to say:
British Airways: We take the health and wellbeing of our customers and crew extremely seriously. Our cabin crew are highly trained to deal with medical emergencies and we carry comprehensive medical kits, including antihistamines and EpiPen Auto Injectors (epinephrine/adrenaline), on board our aircraft.
We have a dedicated medical clearance team, with staff who can talk through our procedures and policies for people who have existing medical conditions and are concerned about their fitness to fly.
In the event that a customer requires treatment for a severe allergic reaction on board, our cabin crew are trained in the assessment and treatment of this. — Camilla Barrett, British Airways spokesperson
Kulula/Comair: First-aid kits are given to the cabin crew to allow them to assist passengers in the best way possible during a medical situation on board. They all get issued their own basic first-aid kit, over and above those on board which contains more supplies.
Although the cabin crew receive first-aid training, they are not qualified medical staff and are not allowed to dispense medication. They are trained to identify signs and symptoms related to, for example, an allergic reaction and their main focus will be to make the passenger comfortable, administer oxygen (if need be), monitor vital signs and advise the captain as to the condition of the passenger.
If vital signs are deteriorating, the captain will radio for assistance at the airport of destination or divert to the nearest airport. The cabin crew will also make an announcement to ask if any medical personnel are on board the flight to assist, as well as check with the passenger if he/she has their own medication they could/should take. — Susan van der Ryst, corporate communications manager
fastjet: All fastjet airlines’ aircraft carry first-aid kits and medical kits. All cabin crew have to pass a first-aid course before they qualify to fly.
Once qualified, the cabin crew may assist fastjet passengers in need by drawing on the supplies in our first-aid kits, with the normal contents you would expect — materials for treating superficial injuries, as well as ointments, sprays, insect repellent, eyedrops, antiseptic fluid, antihistamines, bandages, plasters, and non-prescription oral drugs such as paracetamol, antispasmodics, Imodium etc.
Fastjet medical kits are very comprehensive and include essential medicines such as analgesics, diuretics, anti-allergy medication, steroids, sedatives, ergometrine, painkillers and bronchodilators, as well as various tools and equipment such as syringes, needles, cannulas, sutures, scissors and surgical blades. Only trained medical practitioners can use the medical kits. — Richard Bodin, chief commercial officer