Most commercial airliners carry a basic first-aid kit, an emergency medical kit, and an automatic defibrillator. Extra oxygen (a limited quantity) is also available.
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Airlines are not required to provide oxygen service and many do not. Passengers may carry portable oxygen concentrators (POCs).
Over-the-counter MedicationFlight 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.
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.
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).
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.
If oxygen deficiency continues over a long enough period of time, it can cause unconsciousness, permanent brain damage or even death. So, in order to keep everyone maintained with enough oxygen, the masks fall down and provide a personal flow.
No Legal Duty, but Potentially an Ethical OneThe ethical duty stems from the fact that doctors and other medical professionals don't lose their training simply because they are off duty and out of uniform.
Generally speaking, you are allowed to take as much as you need with you in your hand luggage. There is no limit to how many paracetamol tablets you can take with you, whether it is prescribed or not.
A Certified Flight Registered Nurse can check vitals, administer medications, and perform various critical care/life support procedures. For example, they can intubate patients, insert chest tubes, insert central lines and IVs, manage airways, and more.
Airborne Illnesses“You are at greater risk if the person is seated within two rows of you. But your risk is lower if the person is seated three or more rows away.” Upper respiratory infections, such as the common cold and the flu, are the most common illnesses that air travelers might be exposed to while in flight.
Most times the airline just absorbs the costs as the cost of doing business and ultimately passengers pay the costs as they will be built into ticket prices. In some cases an airline may pursue a civil case against the passenger.
If adrenaline is available in the form an ampoule, a needle and syringe are required and flight crew rely on a doctor or nurse being on the flight (as passengers) to have it administered in an emergency.
Taking Epinephrine on a FlightAccording to the TSA, passengers are allowed to bring their epinephrine on board a flight. However, you may need to show the printed label that identifies the medication (e.g., Adrenaclick®, Auvi-Q™, EpiPen®). You should also be prepared to show the prescription label from the pharmacy.