Is there a doctor on every flight?

A doctor may not always be seated in the cabin on your flight, but most commercial airlines are aware that in-flight medical emergencies can happen (I've written about one or two such instances myself in my time at USA TODAY). Most carriers contract with on-the-ground experts in emergency medicine at altitude.



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This doesn't mean that it's a life-or-death situation; it's all just part of the process. Research has shown that there are doctors onboard as many as 70% of all commercial flights, so the chances of someone being present are pretty high.

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Although not legally required to render assistance in the event of a medical emergency aboard an airplane, physicians have an ethical obligation to do so and should be prepared.

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While it can transpire, it's unlikely there will be a qualified medical professional in the cabin. As a result, flight attendants are responsible for caring for sick or hurt passengers.

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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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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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No legal duty to assist But the General Medical Council (the regulatory body for UK doctors) states that doctors have an ethical duty to respond in the event of a medical emergency, including one on board an aircraft.

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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.

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If you have been denied a medical because of a disqualifying medical condition and are caught flying, the penalty will probably be revocation of all your airman certificates and ratings.

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The RFDS plays a vital role in the transporting of patients - not just in an emergency. Examples include the transfer of a patient from a regional hospital to a tertiary hospital, or an elderly person traveling from aged care for a specialist appointment.

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flying doctor service, method for supplying medical service by airplane to areas where doctors are few and communications difficult. The plan for the first service of this type was conceived in 1912 by the Rev. John Flynn, superintendent of the Australian Inland Mission of the Presbyterian Church.

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