Ground-Based Medical Services for In-Flight Emergencies

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of ground-based medical services (GBMS) by the cabin crew of a major South Korean airline for in-flight medical incidents involving passengers. METHODS: We conducted a survey of cabin crew to identify the anticipated use of GBMS in 2017. We compared the anticipated use to actual use as reported in cabin crew records submitted to the GBMS team and cabin crew logs from May 2013 to April 2016. RESULTS: Among 766 team leaders and assistant leaders, 211 individuals answered the questionnaire. A total of 915 instances of GBMS use were reported during the study period. There were no significant differences between anticipated and actual use in terms of the reasons for needing GBMS, with medication prescription being the most common reason. However, there were significant differences in the specific symptoms that triggered contact with GBMS. Pediatric and digestive symptoms were under-predicted, while neuropsychiatric and cardiac symptoms were over-predicted. DISCUSSION: Cabin crew tended to require GBMS to assist with pediatric and digestive conditions more often than anticipated. Furthermore, digestive and pediatric symptoms often require prescription medications.