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.
Highlights
In-flight medical emergencies on commercial aircraft are common in both domestic and international flights
This study provides an initial step in identifying a deficiency in current medical education. [West J Emerg Med. 2014;15(7):925–929.]
21% of responders had previously been on an aircraft during a medical emergency, only 10% of those (2% of the total sample) had helped manage an in-flight medical emergency
Summary
In-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. In-flight medical emergencies are not uncommon occurrences on commercial aircraft. The reduced humidity and atmospheric pressure and loss of personal mobility present specific pathophysiologic considerations for physicians who respond to a passenger in need.[8,9,10] At the same time, the population of air travelers has transitioned to a demographic that is older with more comorbidities.[10]
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