Do airplanes have medicine?

The Federal Aviation Administration requires commercial aircraft to carry at least one sealed emergency medical kit containing a minimum of 25 specified instruments and medications, plus first-aid kits and automated external defibrillators.



All commercial aircraft with at least one flight attendant are legally required by the FAA (and similar global authorities) to carry a comprehensive Emergency Medical Kit (EMK) and at least one first aid kit. The EMK is essentially a "doctor's bag" in the sky, containing life-saving medications like epinephrine (for allergic reactions or cardiac arrest), atropine (for heart rate), nitroglycerin (for chest pain), lidocaine, and injectable antihistamines. It also includes professional tools like a blood pressure cuff, a stethoscope, and an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Use of the full EMK is strictly limited to licensed medical professionals who happen to be on board, though flight attendants are trained to use the AED and basic first aid supplies. In 2025 and 2026, there have been ongoing pushes to expand these kits to include newer treatments like Narcan (for opioid overdoses) and glucagon (for diabetic emergencies). While the kits are robust, they are designed for stabilization rather than long-term care, serving as a critical bridge until the pilots can perform an emergency diversion to the nearest hospital.

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Over-the-counter Medication Flight attendants also have access to many over-the-counter medications, from painkillers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to antidiarrheals, so feel free to request these items.

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The most common in-flight medical emergencies involve:
  • Seizures;
  • Cardiac symptoms;
  • Nausea or vomiting;
  • Respiratory problems and.
  • Lightheadedness or fainting.


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The flight attendants will assess the situation by asking the passenger to describe their symptoms, assuming they are lucid and conscious. Depending on the case, they will administer care themselves or consult with a medical professional on board or on the ground.

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If you were to experience a stroke on a plane, the pilot may attempt to make an emergency landing to get you the emergency medical attention you need.

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The cramped conditions and long periods of being less active on a flight can cause pain, stiffness or swelling of your legs. Being less active can lead to slow blood flow in your veins which increases your risk of developing a blood clot, known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

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These drugs are usually taken shortly before a flight. They include: Anti-anxiety medication, such as diazepam (Valium) or alprazolam (Xanax). Motion sickness medication, such as dimenhydrinate (Dramamine).

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Even if it's something as simple as feeling sick, they crew know how to diagnose and treat certain ailments. If you're feeling a touch light-headed, they can administer oxygen to help you feel better. For a headache, they can access the aircraft first aid kit and give you medicine to help ease your pains.

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Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Common reasons for panic attacks on a plane include a fear of flying, but they can also be caused by claustrophobia or the fear of enclosed spaces.

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Aerophobia is an extreme fear of flying. People with aerophobia might feel intense anxiety before or during a flight. This condition can interfere with your ability to travel for work or pleasure. If aerophobia is affecting your quality of life, talk to your healthcare provider.

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“It can be helpful in relaxing you or easing anxiety in the beginning, and since many people are anxious flyers, this can help,” Shapiro said, while also pointing out that drinking too much can lead to increased anxiety and have a boomerang effect, so it is important to know your limit.

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Your chances of being involved in a fatal plane crash are incredibly small – around 1 in 11 million, according to Harvard researchers. While your odds of being in a plane accident are about 1 in 1.2 million, survivability rates are about 95.7% – so the odds are with you no matter how you look at it.

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On the other hand, flight attendants also look for guests who look strong and fit to pinpoint who may be able to help in an emergency. It's not uncommon for flight attendants to either ask for volunteers or pick out individuals they think would be good for the exit row seat.

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It's not abnormal — especially post-pandemic — to see passengers on a flight wearing medical masks. Flight attendants may make note of these passengers as potentially feeling sick, but they will also look for swollen or red eyes, sweating, or sweating when scanning guests.

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