THE EMERGENCY OF THE FUTURE

The other day in our airline a passenger had angina pectoris mid-flight.

It happened as these things happen, suddenly.
The crew did a great job, but it still made me think about it.

One of the issues that has more impact on board as the years go by is the so-called medical emergency.

IT IS THE EMERGENCY OF THE FUTURE.

Currently traveling (this is a matter of numbers and therefore of probability) more and more people, more and more and more and more medical history in their lives (this last factor is due to the first two).

Personally, I love when we board a flight and (let’s take as an example) I see a group of people between old and very old, who between laughter and slow movements, get on our plane to go to a surf destination. Who said fear?

They are very vital people and we must thank them for the experience and the desire to live (and the good humor).

From a professional point of view I take a double mental note.

The first, alternative airports on the route (in purple) in case some of my passengers have a medical emergency and I have to make a quick decision (having the airports with pre-selected medical resources before the flight makes me very calm).

The second one is a little deeper because it is about preparation, procedures and coordination. Something much more complex.

I mean the area of ​​my cabin crew. They are the ones who detect said emergency in the first place, the ones who have to understand (starting with the language of the sick passenger or their relatives) their symptoms, medical history, drug allergies and first aid, among other things.

They also have to contact medical personnel available on board, ensure that communication between said personnel and the patient is correct (fluent) and that they speak a common language (you have to remember that we are many and varied and the vast majority of the world’s population does not speak English as their mother tongue) make sure that these staff are really professional and coordinate the situation.

Coordination is tricky (it’s not something we’re often taught in aviation), but let’s see what the sequence would look like (it’s obviously an approximation).

Someone is sick, a nearby passenger notices and calls a FLIGHT ATTENDANT, the medical personnel who may be on board are notified or searched, and of course the cockpit in an initial call (this call to the pilots gives us an initial margin to search for a suitable airport).

After an initial medical examination, you can have an idea of ​​the urgency, that is, if we divert to an airport or not.

Some companies have specific procedures (lists to follow in case of medical emergency) and others have a system called MED CALL that puts pilots in contact with medical personnel via satellite and who can advise us.

Again communication plays a vital role in this part (technical words in English) between the doctors and the pilots and/or the tcp and/or the doctor on board if there is one.

And what can be done?

Well, the ideal thing would be to have more knowledge, training, about what to do, how to explain it and how to communicate (and do it in English, the traveler’s international language), as well as having a clear idea of ​​the process or procedure (points to follow) in these cases and how to communicate it, coordinate it and ensure that all those involved understand and can contribute with the best of themselves (CRM basis), so that the passenger can recover and enjoy the waves on his board.

Everyone, surfing, good vibes and may you find peaceful skies.

Enrique. Qrewmentor Team

Would you like to receive our blog in your mail?