The accidental tourist: medical emergencies in the air

Article Abstract:

Each year 550 million air travelers are handled by the 25 busiest domestic airports. More people pass through Chicago's O'Hare than live in Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Switzerland, Ireland, Greece and the Congo all combined. A review has shown that a very small percentage of airline travelers ever require emergency medical assistance; approximately 1 in 20,000 travelers. The percentage and nature of illness is probably not unlike what is seen at a large public gathering (e.g., football game, rock concert). Surprisingly, only one quarter of all travelers' problems occurred in-flight. Although life-threatening emergencies in the isolated environment of an aircraft cabin are rare, physicians, who as a group are frequent air travelers, should take note of the types of problems (gastrointestinal, cardiac-related, and respiratory) and the resources that are available to them. All U.S. aircraft have high-flow oxygen and medical kits that include stethoscope, blood pressure cuffs, artificial breathing tubes to overcome obstructions in the breathing passages (airways), and various useful drugs. Physicians can instruct pilots to fly at lower altitudes to reduce the problems of abdominal cramping due to trapped gas, and to alert landing parties of necessary materials and personnel. There may also be benefit from requiring flight attendants to receive basic life-support training in addition to the current first aid requirement.

Analysis, Practice, First aid in illness and injury, First aid, editorial, Aviation medicine

---

Pregnancy and travel

Article Abstract:

The special problems related to travel during pregnancy have become more important as women increasingly travel to remote areas for business or recreation. The best maintenance of maternal and fetal health during travel involves various considerations about which available data is incomplete. Nevertheless, conclusions are possible concerning immunizations, antimalarial procedures, treatment for traveler's diarrhea, and the risks associated with high altitudes and vigorous exercise. Enough information exists to ensure relatively safe travel during pregnancy if preparations are made and precautions taken. It is important to note that travel should be avoided if multiple births are expected or if a history of pregnancy-induced hypertension and bleeding exists. Appropriate loose garments and treatment kits should be readily available and the pregnant traveler should always wear a seat belt.

Care and treatment, Prevention, Complications and side effects, Diarrhea, Immunization, Antimalarials, Pregnancy, Complications of, Pregnancy complications

---

Cholera - international travel, 1992

Article Abstract:

Since Jan 1992, 96 cases of cholera have been reported in the US, and all but one were associated with travel to another country. Seventy-five occurred on board an airplane traveling from Argentina to Los Angeles. The rest occurred after travel to Latin America and Asia. Most cases occur in foreign-born Americans who visit relatives in their native country and in foreigners visiting relatives in the US. Cases have been reported in Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii and Texas. Travelers should avoid eating uncooked or undercooked food, drinking untreated water and buying food from street vendors. All fruit should be peeled before it is eaten. Airlines can stock oral rehydration solutions in planes for the prompt treatment of foreign travelers. Oral rehydration is the most effective treatment for cholera.

International aspects, Cholera

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Carrier diagnosis of the fragile X syndrome - a challenge in antenatal clinics. Relationship of the metabolic syndrome and obesity to polycystic ovary syndrome: a controlled, population-based study
• Abstracts: Training basic scientists to bridge the gap between basic science and its application to human disease
• Abstracts: Metabolic disturbances and wasting in the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Successful treatment with foscarnet of an acyclovir-resistant mucocutaneous infection with herpes simplex virus in a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
• Abstracts: The accuracy of portable cholesterol analyzers in public screening programs. Preliminary report: 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin exposure to humans - Seveso, Italy
• Abstracts: Acute water intoxication as a complication of urine drug testing in the workplace. Acute Effects of Passive Smoking on the Coronary Circulation in Healthy Young Adults

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.