Management of In-Flight Medical Emergencies: Are Senior Medical Students Prepared to Respond to this Community Need?

Abstract

IntroductionIn-flight medical emergencies on commercial aircraft are common in both domestic and international flights. We hypothesized that fourth-year medical students feel inadequately prepared to lend assistance during in-flight medical emergencies. This multicenter study of two U.S. medical schools obtains a baseline assessment of knowledge and confidence in managing in-flight medical emergencies.MethodsA 25-question survey was administered to fourth-year medical students at two United States medical schools. Questions included baseline knowledge of in-flight medicine (10 questions) and perceived ability to respond to in-flight medical emergencies.Results229 participants completed the survey (75% response rate). The average score on the fund of knowledge questions was 64%. Responses to the 5-point Likert scale questions indicated that, on average, students did not feel confident or competent responding to an in-flight medical emergency. Participants on average also disagreed with statements that they had adequate understanding of supplies, flight crew training, and ground-based management.ConclusionThis multicenter survey indicates that fourth-year medical students do not feel adequately prepared to respond to in-flight medical emergencies and may have sub-optimal knowledge. This study provides an initial step in identifying a deficiency in current medical education.

Knowledge, confidence and attitude of primary care doctors in managing in-flight medical emergencies: a cross-sectional survey

“…A selfreported questionnaire was used, consisting of questions on demographic information, knowledge of in-flight medicine and confidence in managing IMEs. The questionnaire was developed using a combination of literature review, guidelines on aviation medicine and a previous questionnaire by Katzer et al (1,2,7,(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24) The questionnaire underwent face and content validation to improve its relevance and clarity. The expert panel for content validation included a primary care medicine lecturer, two emergency physicians and three doctors specialising in aviation medicine.…”

“…In-flight medical emergencies (IMEs) have been reported to occur at a rate of one in 604-753 flights. (1,2) Passenger doctors are often roped in to provide help during IMEs, in 43%-85% of reported incidents. (1,3,4) Other studies on Good Samaritan acts by doctors showed that an airplane flight is a common setting for such acts.…”

“…(10) Senior medical students' preparedness to respond to IMEs has also been studied, with Katzer et al showing in 2014 that they did not feel confident enough to manage IMEs. (2) To date, no published study specifically examines the preparedness of doctors to manage IMEs. As primary care doctors, who are routinely exposed to multidisciplinary cases, are expected to manage IMEs more confidently, this study aimed to look into the knowledge, attitude and confidence of primary care doctors in this area.…”

In-Flight Emergency: A Simulation Case for Emergency Medicine Residents

“…A multicenter survey of fourth-year medical students found that on average they felt unprepared to respond to in-flight emergencies. 3 Unfortunately, there are no standard curricula to bridge this known knowledge gap. Therefore, the majority of residents likely feel a similar unease when responding to an in-flight emergency.…”

Doctor in the sky: Medico-legal issues during in-flight emergencies

“…8 Notwithstanding the increasing occurrence of in-flight emergencies, many medical professionals are unfamiliar with the liability and the associated medico-legal issues of providing assistance in these types of situations. 9 Although provisions exist in theory about good Samaritans on the ground, 10 it…”