Research
Surgical and medical emergencies on board European aircraft: a retrospective study of 10189 cases
-
* Corresponding author: Michael Sand michael.sand@ruhr-uni-bochum.de
1 Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Augusta Krankenanstalt, Academic Teaching Hospital of the Ruhr-University Bochum, Bergstrasse 26, 44791 Bochum, Germany
2 Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Klinikstrasse 56, 44791 Bochum, Germany
3 Department of Physiological Science, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), 621 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1527, USA
Critical Care 2009, 13:R3 doi:10.1186/cc7690
See related commentary by Ruskin, http://ccforum.com/content/13/1/121
Published: 20 January 2009Abstract
Introduction
In-flight medical and surgical emergencies (IMEs) onboard commercial aircrafts occur quite commonly. However, little epidemiological research exists concerning these incidents.
Methods
Thirty-two European airlines were asked to provide anonymous data on medical flight reports of IMEs for the years 2002 to 2007. The total number of incidents was correlated to revenue passenger kilometers (rpk). Additionally, on-board births and deaths, flight diversions, flight routes (continental/intercontinental) and involvement of a physician or medical professional in providing therapy were analysed.
Results
Only four airlines, of which two participated in this study, were able to provide the necessary data. A total of 10,189 cases of IMEs were analysed. Syncope was the most common medical condition reported (5307 cases, 53.5%) followed by gastrointestinal disorders (926 cases, 8.9%) and cardiac conditions (509 cases, 4.9%). The most common surgical conditions were thrombosis (47 cases, 0.5%) and appendicitis (27 cases, 0.25%). In 2.8% of all IMEs, an aircraft diversion was performed. In 86% of cases, a physician or medical professional was involved in providing therapy. A mean (standard deviation) of 14 (+/- 2.3, 10.8 to 16.6 interquartile range) IMEs per billion rpk was calculated.
Conclusions
The study demonstrates that although aviation is regulated by a variety of national and international laws, standardised documentation of IMEs is inadequate and needs further development.