Flying provides a wealth of opportunities to see new places or visit faraway friends and family.
But as medical advances allow people to survive certain illnesses and enjoy life longer, an increasing number of medical emergencies can, and do, occur onboard an airplane.
Avoiding an emergency: get medical clearance first
In most cases, airlines will insist on a medical clearance before allowing people with certain illnesses or conditions to fly. This may be necessary for people who:
• Have recently been seriously ill or had surgery
• Have an unstable medical condition
• Need supplemental oxygen to help them breathe
• Need to use medical equipment during the flight
• Are traveling for medical treatment
• Are very far along in a pregnancy or are experiencing a difficult pregnancy
If your doctor won't give you medical clearance, it is probably in your best interest to consider travel options other than flying.
Understanding how an in-flight medical emergency may happen
A medical emergency can happen anytime and anywhere, but being on an airplane can make certain problems worse. For example, on-board breathing problems can be an issue. The standard oxygen level on an airplane is mixed to suit healthy people, but if you have heart disease, lung disease, or anemia, there may not be enough oxygen in the cabin air for you to breathe easily. Another potential hazard is developing a blood clot in your legs. If you're sitting on an airplane for an extended period of time, your legs don't move about and promote healthy blood flow as they normally do when you walk around. This could increase the chance of developing a blood clot in the leg known as deep vein thrombosis. For people with blood clotting problems, as well as some illnesses, this could be an issue.
Prepare smart for safe travelling
If you have a medical condition that could lead to a medical emergency while in flight, the following are some precautions you can take:
• Medications. Be sure to keep all necessary medications in your carry-on luggage
• Equipment. Be sure that you have any medical equipment you may need before you leave for the airport
• Doctor's note. If you're carrying medical equipment such as syringes, get a note from your physician explaining their use. You might also want to do this for any medications you're bringing on board.
• Oxygen request. Contact the airline ahead of time to arrange oxygen tank availability if this is a concern for you
• Compression stockings. Consider wearing special compression stockings as they may help reduce your risk of a blood clot
• In-flight movement. Move about in the cabin as much as possible to reduce your risk of developing a blood clot
• Deep sea diving. Don't fly within 12 to 24 hours of diving, if that's an activity you participate in
What to do if you get sick on the airplane
If you develop symptoms that indicate a medical emergency is imminent while you're on the airplane, notify a flight attendant immediately. Flight attendants are trained to care for passengers who are experiencing some common medical emergencies; if it's more than they can handle, they can put out a call to see if there is a doctor on the airplane. The type of medical equipment available on the plane will vary depending on the type of plane you're flying on, how far it's travelling, and the airline itself. Some airplanes, especially those going to distant international destinations, now carry defibrillators to help people who are having a heart attack.
Planes may also have communication equipment that allows the attendants to speak with medical professionals on the ground. However, don't depend on any single airplane to have the exact medical equipment you may need. Some are stocked with only the bare minimum of supplies, so bring whatever you think you may need. The Bottom Line: Being ill or having a medical condition doesn't automatically rule out traveling by air. Airlines are bound to keep their passengers as safe as possible, and this includes passengers who may be ill. With preparation and your doctor's blessing, you may be able to take that long-awaited trip.