Safe to fly?

Michael Drane discusses clearing your patient to fly safely. What you need to consider and how you go about clearing your patient with medical conditions to fly.

Topics

intro
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consider our unique location
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common medical events in flight
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are flights often diverted?
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risk assessment for patient
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consider the effect of altitude
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what can airlines assist with?
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medical escort requirements
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requesting specific assistance and medical clearance
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additional information and resources
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who can clear a patient to fly?
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case study
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take-home messages
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Take home messages

Plan ahead! MEDA’s exist for the safety of the flight and for the benefit of passengers with healthcare needs.
Plan early! Is a report from the treating doctor needed?
Plan for the unexpected! Weather happens, delays happen, diversions happen.
Behavioural problems are tricky: Psychoses / Seizure disorders / Dementia needs careful evaluation and frequently suitable escorts.
Flight attendants are not nursing staff. Care must be provided by companion or suitable medical escort.

Resources

Flying with medical conditions Air New Zealand
Medical Considerations for Airline Travel Aerospace Medical Association (AsMA)

Presenter

Michael Drane

Medical Officer Air New Zealand

Michael practised as a GP in the UK, the Wairarapa and Queensland. Currently he is working for Air New Zealand as one of their medical team. The company has a long-established Aviation and Occupational Health unit, and areas of interest include regulatory medicine and crew alertness management.