Episode 26: Is There a Doctor on Board? Featuring Dr. Shorok Hassan, Dr. Danielle Langan and MS4 Natalie Leek
Learning points:
Any medical volunteer assisting on a US-based flight is legally protected by Good Samaritan laws and the Aviation Medical Assistance act of 1998.
The Emergency Medical Kit must contain certain items in the US - a full list of required + expanded items found here: https://mobile.fpnotebook.com/ER/Pharm/FMndtdEmrgncyMdclKt.htm
Required items do not include a pulse-ox and stethoscopes are likely not going to be useful during air travel, but the rest of the vitals/basic physical exam can be obtained.
Recommend diversion of the flight if someone has a suspected stroke, ACS, PE, bleeding or pain and over 20 weeks pregnant, dyspnea that does not respond to in flight oxygen, persistent agitation, unconsciousness, severe abdominal pain, status epilepticus, suspected pneumothorax causing hemodynamic instability, cardiac arrest, or if your gut is telling you they are “sick” and need to get to a hospital immediately.
Syncope is the most common in-flight emergency. Put the patient into trendelenburg position, give oxygen, fluids, and dextrose as needed.
