Abstract
IntroductionThe purpose of this study was to perform a descriptive, content-based analysis on the different forms of documentation for in-flight medical emergencies that are currently provided in the emergency medical kits on board commercial airlines.MethodsPassenger airlines in the World Airline Directory were contacted between March and May 2011. For each participating airline, sample in-flight medical emergency documentation forms were obtained. All items in the sample documentation forms were subjected to a descriptive analysis and compared to a sample "medical incident report" form published by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).ResultsA total of 1,318 airlines were contacted. Ten airlines agreed to participate in the study and provided a copy of their documentation forms. A descriptive analysis revealed a total of 199 different items, which were summarized into five sub-categories: non-medical data (63), signs and symptoms (68), diagnosis (26), treatment (22) and outcome (20).ConclusionsThe data in this study illustrate a large variation in the documentation of in-flight medical emergencies by different airlines. A higher degree of standardization is preferable to increase the data quality in epidemiologic aeromedical research in the future.
Highlights
The purpose of this study was to perform a descriptive, content-based analysis on the different forms of documentation for in-flight medical emergencies that are currently provided in the emergency medical kits on board commercial airlines
Because we live in an aging society, the average age of the passengers who are travelling with chronic disease and the number of chronic diseases per passenger is likely to increase in the future
For the European Union (EU), the EU’s statistical analysis unit, Eurostat, has calculated that in the year 2060 over 30% of the entire EU population will be over the age of 65
Summary
The purpose of this study was to perform a descriptive, content-based analysis on the different forms of documentation for in-flight medical emergencies that are currently provided in the emergency medical kits on board commercial airlines. The number of passengers travelling on commercial airlines has increased to almost two billion [1]. Because we live in an aging society, the average age of the passengers who are travelling with chronic disease and the number of chronic diseases per passenger is likely to increase in the future. For the European Union (EU), the EU’s statistical analysis unit, Eurostat, has calculated that in the year 2060 over 30% of the entire EU population will be over the age of 65. It is likely that increasing age goes along with chronic diseases, it is not possible to make definite conclusions regarding
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
