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Re: Preventing inflight medical emergencies by utilising the internet

Dear Editor,

As commercial air travel is moving toward an internet driven consumer booking system[1] opportunities exist to remind travellers who may require medications to bring them in their carry on luggage and not to pack them. The first opportunity to do this occurs in the booking process where a flash screen reminding potential travellers that they should carry their medication could be programmed. If airlines were sufficently worried about this they could also include a tick box on the booking screen asking individuals whether they require medication. This could then be printed on their eTicket to remind them to carry the medication. Finally at the ticketless check ins, which are becoming more common, the individual traveller could again be reminded to carry their medications and not to place them in the luggage when they log in. Not all emergencies can be prevented but at least an IT solution does exist to prevent those emergencies which arise as a result of missing medications.

Airlines are already directing resources towards providing emergency medical kits, AEDs, monitors etc.[2,3] Some have access to ground based medical consultations in flight. Prevention in the first instance through directed reminders could reduce the need for inflight diversions and ensure a safer environment for the increasing market of elderly travellers.

References

1. Horvath LL, Murray CK, DuPont HL. Travel health information at commercial travel websites. J Travel Med 2003;10(5):272-8.

2. Lyznicki JM, Williams MA, Deitchman SD, Howe JP, 3rd. Inflight medical emergencies. Aviat Space Environ Med 2000;71(8):832-8.