Medical aid may break vertical barrier

The govt asks airlines to instal telemedicine system on board to help ailing passengers

NEW DELHI: Ever wondered what help the cabin crew of any airline can offer if you suffer a medical emergency such as a heart attack, haemorrhage, breathing trouble or what is called as the "Economy Class Syndrome" mid-air? Existing guidelines require every flight to carry a first-aid box for treating small injuries, a physician's box with life saving drugs and oxygen supply. But these things often fall short of requirements during an emergency.

So, unless a certified doctor is on board, the airline has no option but to look for the nearest airport, seek permission to make an emergency landing and transfer the patient to the nearest hospital in case of medical emergencies.

However, according to a recent government directive, emergency medical problems should be handled much better by airlines soon. The civil aviation ministry has asked all private airlines to devise a comprehensive medical system on board.

"We have asked all airlines to begin by installing a telemedicine system on board through satellite or video conferencing, so that some medical advice may be sought  mid-air when a medical emergency arises. Not always is a doctor available on board," a senior civil aviation ministry official told DNA.

Plane rides become stressful for some passengers because cabin pressures at high altitude are roughly the same as those at 5,000 to 8,000 feet above sea level. Passengers with heart disease sometimes experience chest pains. Another common in-flight problem is deep venous thrombosis — the “economy class” syndrome in which blood in legs tends to clot because of sitting too long in a cramped position.

But the airlines do not appear keen to accept this proposal, since it involves installation of more equipment on aircraft. which will raise their cost of operations.