Onboard emergency medical equipment in Korean airlines

ABSTRACT

Objective@#This study aimed to identify the frequency of use of in-flight medical equipment and the status of medications loaded with common symptoms. @*Methods@#We conducted a survey of airlines to identify onboard medication and medical equipment from July 1 to 31, 2020. @*Results@#A total of seven airlines participated in this study (two full service and five low cost carriers). The most commonly reported frequencies of using first aid kit and emergency medical kit were less than five cases per month (57.1% and 71.4%, respectively). Most airlines were equipped with medications for burn (85.7%), abdominal pain (100%) and fever (100%), which are frequently reported in-flight medical incidents. However, only two airlines were equipped with medications for psychiatric symptoms commonly reported in-flight medical incidents. @*Conclusion@#Most airlines loaded medications for major in-flight symptoms. However, it is necessary to equip the additional medications for the burn and psychiatric symptoms.