Are doctors required to assist in an inflight medical emergency?

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This was published 5 years ago

Are doctors required to assist in an inflight medical emergency?

By Michael Gebicki
There are several reasons why a doctor may be reluctant to help out in a mid-air medical emergency.

There are several reasons why a doctor may be reluctant to help out in a mid-air medical emergency. Credit: Shutterstock

In spite of their training, and the Hippocratic Oath, some physicians are reluctant to step forward when the aircrew call for medical assistance, and there is no obligation for them to do so.

Some will wait in hope that another more qualified medico will respond, some are put off by the cramped surroundings and lack of resources.

There is also the risk that the patient might be suffering a communicable disease.

Other physicians might be unwilling to assist out of fear of legal ramifications, yet according to a 2016 report on Medical Guidelines for Airline Travel by the Aerospace Medical Association there are no known cases brought against physicians who have volunteered in an inflight medical emergency. Australian law provides protection for Good Samaritans.

In the case of US airlines, the Aviation Medical Assistance Act of 1998 also provides legal protection for medically qualified professionals who volunteer in a Good Samaritan capacity. In Britain, British Airways, Virgin and other major carriers indemnify medical professionals against legal liability.

See also: If I have an accident overseas after a few drinks; am I still insured?

See also: What's the most bizarre item banned by airlines?

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