Each year, commercial airlines worldwide report an estimated 40,000 or more in-flight medical events. While many are minor, some can be serious; travelers can take sensible precautions to lower the likelihood of a health issue during a flight.
When a medical event does occur, emergency assessment and care are often provided by a physician volunteer on board.
“A large number of in-flight medical events happen when an existing medical condition is exacerbated by air travel,” said Dr. Raymond Bertino, clinical professor of radiology and surgery at the University of Illinois College of Medicine. “If you have a serious health condition, consult your physician before flying to determine whether air travel increases your risk.”
Bertino is the lead developer of airRx, a smartphone app designed to prepare and assist physicians who volunteer to help fellow passengers experiencing medical events. The app guides physician volunteers through 23 of the most common in-flight medical scenarios, offering concise treatment algorithms and rapid reference information to support evaluation and care. airRx also includes practical checklists and a handbook to streamline the response to urgent medical situations on aircraft. Provided by a non-profit organization, the app functions in airplane mode and is available for purchase on the Apple App Store and Google Play store.
“Staying hydrated is essential, particularly on long flights,” Bertino added. “I experienced an in-flight medical issue myself after neglecting that simple advice.”
Travelers can reduce their risk of problems in several ways: consult a physician before flying if you have chronic or serious conditions; carry an up-to-date list of medications and health issues; pack prescription medicines in carry-on luggage; stay well hydrated; avoid excessive alcohol and sedatives; and move or stretch periodically on longer flights to lower the risk of deep vein thrombosis. Those with recent surgeries, unstable heart or lung disease, or other acute medical concerns should follow their doctor’s advice and consider delaying travel when recommended.
Airlines and cabin crews are trained to manage many in-flight health events and carry basic medical kits; nonetheless, having a clear plan and communicating medical needs before and during travel can improve outcomes. If you volunteer to help another passenger, tools such as airRx can provide structured guidance to make emergency responses faster and more effective.