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What if There’s a Medical Emergency on an Airline Flight?

We take a look at risk mitigation from the pilot’s perspective.

You may have wondered what happens when there’s a medical emergency on a Part 121 flight—it’s not always a trigger for an immediate diversion and landing. [Photo: Julie Boatman]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Airlines have established procedures and carry medical kits (including advanced medications for licensed professionals) to manage in-flight emergencies, aiming to stabilize patients until they can reach ground medical services.
  • The decision to divert a flight for a medical emergency is typically made by ground-based airline operations centers in consultation with flight surgeons, not by the flight crew, unless critical conditions necessitate an immediate diversion.
  • Flight crews are trained in risk management during these emergencies, splitting duties between flying the aircraft and communicating with ground support, rather than providing direct medical care.
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So, what happens when there is an in-flight medical emergency on an airline flight? 

It’s an interesting question that many of us have probably not thought much about before. But it happens, probably more frequently than we realize.

Jason Blair

Jason Blair is a flight instructor and an FAA designated pilot examiner, and an active author in the general aviation and flight training communities.

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