In this podcast, they discuss in-flight medical emergencies, including common events, equipment on board, and regulations for providing medical assistance. Guests include Dr. Thomas Doyle, who shares insights from his experience as the medical director for STAT-MD. They also explore the complexities of managing emergencies at high altitudes and the importance of teamwork and collaboration during crises.
In-flight medical events are common, involving syncope, respiratory, and GI issues, necessitating volunteer medical providers on board.
US airlines must follow FAA regulations for in-flight medical kits and legal protections under the Aviation Medical Assistance Act.
Deep dives
Trauma Surgery Video Allis Creation
The podcast introduces the trauma surgery video allis as a new resource featuring 24 scenarios with high definition intraoperative footage and illustrative pearls for managing tough trauma cases like neck penetrating injuries and IVC bleeding.
Dr. Doyle's Journey to Specializing in In-Flight Emergencies
Dr. Thomas Doyle shares his transition from emergency medicine and EMS critical care to becoming the medical director of STAT MD's in-flight emergency care, prompted by his fellowship at Pitt and experience managing critical care helicopter programs and communication centers.
Frequency of In-Flight Medical Events
Dr. Doyle reveals that about one in 600 flights experience medical events, often involving syncope, respiratory, or GI issues, with 17,000 consults handled yearly, highlighting the pivotal role of medical providers or volunteers on board, typically including nurses or paramedics.
In-Flight Medical Equipment and Legal Considerations
The podcast discusses the mandatory medical kit contents for US airlines per FAA regulations, featuring basic supplies like blood pressure cuffs and aspirin, while highlighting the legalities and protections under the Aviation Medical Assistance Act for volunteer medical providers assisting in emergencies.
Do the words “Is there a doctor on board” fill you with anxiety? For Dr. Thomas Doyle, responding to in flight medical events is just another day at the office. As the medical director for STAT-MD, him and his team provide on the ground consultation for passengers experiencing medical events at 35,000 feet. In this episode we talk about what events are most common, what equipment is on board, what are the rules/regulations around providing medical assistance, and what ground consultation services like STAT-MD can help offer to you so you’re never alone if you hear that phrase “Is there a doctor on board?”
Guests: Thomas J. Doyle, MD, MPH- Clinical Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center; Medical Director, STAT-MD Jessica Millar, MD- General Surgery Resident- University of Michigan; Education Fellow- Behind the Knife Major John McClellan, MD- Acute Care and Trauma Surgeon- University of North Carolina Chapel Hill