Manage In Flight Medical Emergencies Training

Objectives:
• Understand the scope and prevalence of in-flight medical emergencies.
• Identify relevant aviation regulations and liability considerations.
• Recognise the roles and responsibilities of cabin crew and medical volunteers.
• Understand documentation requirements and reporting procedures.
• Appreciate the importance of crew resource management in medical events.

Topics:
• Overview of in-flight medical emergencies: statistics and common scenarios
• Regulatory framework: SACAA, ICAO, and international aviation law
• Liability, Good Samaritan laws, and medical malpractice considerations
• Roles of cabin crew, flight deck, and ground-based medical support
• Documentation: Medical Incident Report forms and record-keeping
• Crew resource management principles during medical events

Objectives:
• Describe the physiological effects of hypobaric hypoxia and cabin pressurisation.
• Explain changes in gas laws and their impact on the human body.
• Identify common altitude-related illnesses and their management.
• Understand the effects of cabin environment on pre-existing medical conditions.
• Recognise signs of hypoxia, hyperventilation, and barotrauma.

Topics:
• Cabin pressurisation and partial pressure of oxygen
• Hypoxia: types, stages, and recognition
• Gas laws (Boyle's, Dalton's) and their clinical implications
• Barotrauma: ear, sinus, and dental issues
• Effects of altitude on cardiovascular, respiratory, and gastrointestinal systems
• Pre-existing conditions: diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, and pregnancy
• Jet lag, dehydration, and immobility risks

Objectives:
• Apply the primary and secondary survey approach in a cabin environment.
• Perform basic vital sign measurement using available equipment.
• Triage multiple patients in a mass casualty scenario.
• Recognise life-threatening conditions requiring immediate intervention.
• Communicate assessment findings effectively to medical support and crew.

Topics:
• Primary survey: ABCDE approach adapted for aircraft
• Secondary survey: focused history and physical exam
• Vital signs: pulse, respiratory rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation
• Use of automated external defibrillator (AED) and basic monitoring
• Triage principles: START system for multiple casualties
• Communicating with ground-based medical services (e.g., MedLink)
• Documentation of assessment findings

Objectives:
• Recognise and manage cardiac arrest using CPR and AED.
• Identify acute coronary syndrome and provide initial care.
• Manage respiratory emergencies: asthma, anaphylaxis, and pulmonary embolism.
• Administer oxygen therapy and basic airway adjuncts.
• Understand indications and use of emergency medications.

Topics:
• Cardiac arrest: BLS algorithm, CPR technique, and AED use
• Acute coronary syndrome: recognition, aspirin, and nitroglycerin
• Anaphylaxis: recognition, epinephrine auto-injector, and airway management
• Asthma and COPD exacerbations: bronchodilators and oxygen
• Pulmonary embolism and hyperventilation syndrome
• Oxygen delivery systems: masks, cannulas, and non-rebreather
• Emergency medical kit contents and medication administration

Objectives:
• Recognise and manage stroke, seizures, and syncope.
• Handle gastrointestinal emergencies: vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain.
• Implement infection control measures for communicable diseases.
• Manage diabetic emergencies: hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia.
• Provide care for psychiatric and behavioural emergencies.

Topics:
• Stroke: FAST assessment, positioning, and care
• Seizures: first aid, airway protection, and post-ictal care
• Syncope and near-syncope: causes and management
• Gastrointestinal issues: motion sickness, gastroenteritis, and food poisoning
• Diabetic emergencies: glucose monitoring, oral glucose, and glucagon
• Infection control: universal precautions, isolation, and PPE
• Psychiatric emergencies: panic attacks, agitation, and restraint considerations

Objectives:
• Manage traumatic injuries: fractures, dislocations, and bleeding.
• Provide burn care: classification, cooling, and dressing.
• Handle environmental emergencies: hypothermia, heatstroke, and drowning.
• Stabilise spinal injuries and apply cervical collar.
• Understand evacuation considerations for injured passengers.

Topics:
• Trauma assessment and management: haemorrhage control, splinting
• Burns: thermal, chemical, electrical – assessment and first aid
• Hypothermia: recognition, passive and active rewarming
• Heat-related illness: heat exhaustion and heatstroke
• Drowning and aspiration: rescue breathing and oxygen
• Spinal immobilisation and log roll technique
• Evacuation and transport of injured passengers

Objectives:
• Manage medical emergencies in paediatric, geriatric, and pregnant passengers.
• Understand considerations for passengers with disabilities or special needs.
• Review advanced life support interventions and when to use them.
• Coordinate with ground-based medical control for complex cases.
• Practice decision-making for diversion and emergency landing.

Topics:
• Paediatric emergencies: assessment, CPR modifications, and common conditions
• Geriatric considerations: polypharmacy, frailty, and cognitive impairment
• Obstetric emergencies: pregnancy complications and in-flight delivery
• Passengers with disabilities: communication and mobility aids
• Advanced life support: defibrillation, advanced airway, and IV access
• Medical control consultation: MedLink and radio communication
• Diversion decision-making: criteria, crew coordination, and landing preparation

Objectives:
• Apply all skills in realistic in-flight simulation scenarios.
• Demonstrate effective communication and crew resource management.
• Complete a comprehensive written assessment covering all topics.
• Perform hands-on practical skills: CPR, AED, oxygen administration, etc.
• Reflect on lessons learned and develop a personal action plan.

Topics:
• Full-mission simulation: cardiac arrest, anaphylaxis, trauma, and multiple patients
• Debriefing and feedback on team performance
• Practical skills stations: CPR, AED, oxygen, splinting, epinephrine auto-injector
• Written examination: multiple-choice and short-answer questions
• Case study presentations and group discussions
• Course evaluation and action planning for continuous improvement