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If Someone Gets Ill on Board

2 min read

The short answer

Medical problems on planes are uncommon, and most are minor, like fainting. Cabin crew are trained in first aid and carry medical kits, and many airlines have doctors on call from the ground. Often a doctor or nurse among the passengers helps too.

How Often It Happens

A large study of nearly 12,000 medical calls from planes found that a medical problem happens on about 1 in every 600 flights. Most are minor.

The most common is fainting or feeling faint. It's often caused by dehydration, skipping a meal or standing up too quickly.

The Crew Are Trained

Cabin crew are trained in first aid and resuscitation, and they practise regularly. Every airliner carries first-aid kits, and larger planes also carry an emergency medical kit with medicines and equipment.

US airlines must carry a defibrillator — a device that can restart the heart — and many other airlines carry one too.

Doctors on Call from the Ground

Many airlines use a 24-hour medical service on the ground. The crew can call doctors by radio or satellite phone, describe the symptoms and get expert advice straight away. Those doctors can also help the captain decide whether to land early.

Help from Fellow Passengers

There's often a doctor, nurse or paramedic among the passengers. In the study, medical professionals on board helped in about three out of four cases.

Landing Early Is Uncommon

Only about 7 in 100 medical calls led to the plane landing somewhere else. When it does, air traffic control gives the flight priority, and an ambulance meets the plane.

If You Feel Unwell

  • Tell the crew. They'd much rather help early.
  • If you feel faint, sit down, sip water and let someone know.
  • Anxiety can cause a racing heart, dizziness and tingling. These feelings pass, and the crew have seen them many times. They won't judge you.
  • Keep any regular medicines in your hand luggage.

Before You Fly

If you have a health condition, talk to your doctor before you travel. Ask your airline about any extra help you might need.

Sources

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