Traveling by airplane is one of the most common and safe experiences, but it is not without possible contingencies. Know what to do in case of illness or injury during a flight can make the difference between timely management and worsening a delicate situation. Although medical emergencies on board are rare, it is important to be prepared and know your rights as a passenger.
Pressure changes, limited freedom of movement and dry cabin air can cause health problems, even in generally healthy people. For those with pre-existing medical conditions, such as heart or respiratory disease, flying may pose a greater risk. Added to this is the possibility of injury, especially during turbulence or when boarding and disembarking.
This article will not only guide you in dealing with an illness or accident on board, but will also offer valuable information on travelers’ rights and how to obtain compensation for injuries sustained. Preparing yourself for these scenarios means flying with greater peace of mind, knowing that even in the event of the unexpected, there are established procedures and adequate support.
Read this guide to find out what ailments are most common in flight, how to prevent and deal with them, and what to do if you find yourself involved in an injury or medical emergency.
The Most Common Illnesses in the Airplane
During a flight, the body is subjected to conditions that can cause a number of discomforts, especially if you have special sensitivities or pre-existing health problems. Let’s see what the most common symptoms are and how to prevent them.
Symptoms and Causes
- Nausea and dizziness: These symptoms may occur especially during takeoff and landing or in turbulence. Nausea is often caused by the conflict between visual cues and the sense of balance.
- Headaches and fatigue: Reduced cabin pressure and lack of fresh air can contribute to general fatigue and headaches.
- Dehydration: The air inside the cabin has very low humidity levels, which can cause dry mucous membranes and rapid loss of body fluids.
- Hypoxia: Due to reduced pressure, the amount of available oxygen decreases, and this can cause breathing difficulties, especially in passengers with lung or heart disease.
- Circulatory problems: Sitting for many hours without moving increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This is especially relevant for long-haul flights.
Prevention
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water before and during the flight. Bring a reusable water bottle with you to refill after security checks.
- Movement: Every hour, take a short walk down the hallway or perform leg exercises while remaining seated.
- Comfortable clothing: Wear loose clothes and comfortable shoes to promote circulation.
- Light food: Avoid heavy meals and prefer light snacks to reduce the risk of nausea.
- Consult a physician: If you have chronic conditions, seek advice from your doctor before flying and bring any necessary medications with you.
By following these simple steps, you can prevent many common ailments and make your flight more comfortable.
How to Handle an Illness on Board
If you begin to feel ill during the flight, it is important to act promptly. The cabin crew is trained to deal with emergency situations, but you too can do your part to get the assistance you need.
What to Do Immediately
- Report the problem: As soon as you feel the first symptoms, notify a flight attendant. Don’t wait for the situation to get worse-the staff is there to help you.
- Remain calm: Calmness is essential to avoid aggravating any symptoms related to anxiety or panic. Breathing slowly can help control the situation.
- Follow the directions: Flight attendants will guide you step by step, providing medical support and helping you get comfortable. They may ask you to change seats to facilitate rescue.
The Role of the Crew
Flight attendants are trained to handle medical emergencies and have resources to deal with many situations:
- On-board medical kit: Includes medications, patches, blood pressure tools, and more.
- Automatic external defibrillator (AED): Essential in cardiac emergencies, such as sudden cardiac arrest.
- Oxygen masks: Used to relieve symptoms of hypoxia or breathing difficulties.
- Remote medical consultation: Many airlines can contact medical experts by radio for guidance on how to handle complex cases.
In addition, it is important to know that staff might ask passengers for help. If there is a doctor among the travelers, he or she might step in to offer professional support.
By following the given procedures and cooperating with shipboard personnel, most emergencies can be handled without serious consequences.
What To Do In Case Of Injury During Flight
Traveling by air is generally safe, but injuries can occur unexpectedly, often due to turbulence, sudden movements or baggage-related carelessness. Knowing the most common types of injuries and how to respond is essential to best handle these situations.
Types of Common Injuries
- Falls: Crashes can happen when the plane undergoes sudden movements, especially during takeoff, landing, or turbulence. These accidents often occur in the aisles or near bathrooms, where stability is reduced.
- Bumps: Bumps are generally caused by carry-on luggage that is not properly stowed in the overhead compartments. Falling luggage can cause injury to the head or other parts of the body.
- Burns: Burns from hot drinks, such as coffee or tea served on board, are among the most common accidents, especially during turbulence.
Protocols to Follow
If you suffer an injury while flying, it is important to take immediate action by following these steps:
- Ask the crew for assistance: Report the incident as soon as possible. Flight attendants are trained to provide support and document the incident. Never underestimate an injury, even if it initially seems minor.
- Document what happened: Take photos of the accident scene and, if possible, note relevant details, such as the circumstances and the names of any witnesses. This will be useful for possible claims.
- Request an official report: Airlines are required to record all incidents that occur on board. Ask the staff for a copy of the report or verify that it is made.
Prevention of Accidents
To avoid injury while flying, follow these simple precautions:
- Ensure proper placement of luggage: Always check that your luggage is properly secured in the overhead bins and make sure they are closed properly.
- Fasten your seat belt: Remain seated with your seatbelt fastened, especially when the fasten seatbelt sign is on.
- Be careful while serving on board: Keep an eye on hot drinks and be sure to receive them in a stable position to avoid scalding.
Serious Injuries and Emergency Landing
In case of serious injuries, such as fractures or trauma requiring immediate medical attention, the airline may decide to make an emergency landing. This decision is made to ensure that the passenger receives the necessary assistance as quickly as possible.
Remember that passenger safety is always the top priority on board. Knowing the procedures and following prevention tips can help you fly with confidence, minimizing the risk of accidents.
When an Emergency Landing is Needed
Not all medical emergencies require an emergency landing, but in some extreme cases this measure may prove essential to save a passenger’s life. During the flight, the flight crew is constantly trained to recognize and handle critical situations. However, there are times when the assistance available on board is not sufficient and the only possible solution is to land at an airport as close as possible.
The decision to make an emergency landing is always complex and is made by the pilot in collaboration with cabin crew and, often, medical advisers on the ground. Situations that may lead to this choice include critical medical conditions, such as a heart attack or stroke, that put the passenger’s life in immediate danger. In some cases, the patient may not be stabilizable with the medical resources available on board, making landing urgent and necessary.
Another determining factor is the safety of other passengers. If a medical condition poses a risk to those traveling, as in the case of serious infections or situations requiring isolation, the crew must act promptly to protect everyone.
Despite the operational impact and associated costs, emergency landing is always motivated by the priority of safeguarding health and safety. Protocols provide for efficient coordination between the crew, air traffic controllers, and ground emergency services to ensure that the passenger receives the necessary care in the shortest possible time. This choice, as extraordinary as it is, demonstrates the airlines’ commitment to putting the lives and well-being of passengers first.
Compensation and Passenger Rights
Suffering an illness or injury during a flight can be a stressful experience, but it is important to know that passengers have specific rights protected by European law. If the incident is the airline’s fault, you may be entitled to compensation or other forms of assistance. Knowing the procedures to follow and the protections provided by law can make all the difference in obtaining justice.
When You Are Entitled to Compensation
According to European Regulation EC 261/2004, passengers are protected in the event of disruptions and situations that may compromise their safety and well-being while traveling. This also includes medical emergencies or injuries on board, especially if it is shown that the airline did not take preventive or adequate measures to avoid the problem.
For example, you may be entitled to compensation if:
- The injury was caused by luggage being misplaced in the overhead compartments or not properly secured by the cabin crew.
- You got hurt because of unreported or poorly handled turbulence.
- You did not receive the necessary care during an illness, aggravating your health condition.
In such cases, the airline is liable and may be obliged to pay compensation for the damage suffered by the passenger.
How to Claim Compensation
If you believe you have suffered an injury attributable to the airline, here are the steps to follow to initiate a claim:
- Collect Evidence: Take photos of the incident, note details (time, circumstances, names of witnesses), and keep all documents related to the flight, such as the ticket and boarding pass.
- Request Incident Report: Notify the crew immediately and ensure that an official incident report is made.
- Contact the Airline: Write a formal complaint to the company, attaching the evidence collected and specifying the damage incurred.
- Seek Legal Assistance: If the airline does not respond or refuses compensation, you can turn to specialized services such as Reimbursement on Flight to receive legal support in handling your case.
Support and Assistance During Flight
EC Regulation 261/2004 requires airlines to provide immediate assistance to passengers in distress. This includes:
- Emergency medical care, such as using the first aid kit or accessing the onboard defibrillator.
- Coordination with local health authorities in the event of an emergency landing to ensure appropriate care for the passenger.
- Logistical support, such as temporary accommodations or relocation, if the incident causes travel disruption.
Why Rely on Refund on the Fly
If you have suffered an illness or injury on board and wish to assert your rights, relying on experts can simplify the process. Reimbursement on Flight specializes in passenger protection and offers professional advice for:
- Claims in case of accidents or medical emergencies.
- Disruptions related to delayed flights, cancellations, or overbooking.
- Loss of or damage to luggage.
With their expertise, you can get the compensation you deserve without having to go through long and complicated bureaucratic procedures.
Conclusion
Knowing your rights is critical to facing any unforeseen events during a flight with peace of mind. If you have suffered an injury or discomfort on board, don’t hesitate to document everything and seek the assistance you need. Turn to professionals such as those at Reimbursement on the Fly is an important step in getting the support and compensation you deserve.
