Enhanced guidelines for evaluating and managing the symptoms of ailing airline passengers and increased awareness of high-risk groups could reduce the number of “futile diversions,” medical researchers say.1
A study published in the May issue of Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine (ASEM) also recommended the prescreening of some passengers recently discharged from hospitals, post-operative patients and people with specific terminal illnesses.
“Formulation of specific management guidelines for different symptom-based categories, grounded on evidence-based results, is the next step to establish specific action plans for flight attendants,” the study said. “Actions should be clearly delineated, and the role of coordination of available medical volunteers and the ground-based physicians clarified.”
In-flight medical kits with detailed guidelines on when and how to use specific medications and medical equipment also would aid both flight a…
