In-flight cardiac arrest (IFCA) is a critical event that presents unique challenges due to the limited access to medical equipment, healthcare providers (even if there is a doctor on board), and the isolated nature of being thousands of feet in the air. This blog explores the complexities of IFCA, including its prevalence, risk factors, and the life-saving effectiveness of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) on commercial flights.
The Scope of In-Flight Cardiac Arrest
Despite accounting for only 0.3% of all in-flight medical emergencies, in-flight cardiac arrest is responsible for up to 86% of in-flight deaths. Recent studies reveal an overall survival rate of 44% for IFCA, with a higher survival rate for shockable rhythms (53%) compared to non-shockable rhythms (35%). The most significant risk factors for experiencing IFCA include being male (79%) and having a prior cardiac history (48.5%). Interestingly, age does not appear to be a significant predictor of IFCA. Pulmonary embolisms, often due to in-flight immobility and venous stasis, are responsible for 2% of the IFCA incidents.
The Importance of AEDs on Flights
Since 2004, the United States has mandated AEDs on all commercial flights with at least one trained attendant. However, this requirement is not universal. A review of European airlines revealed that only 65% are equipped with AEDs. The presence of AEDs can dramatically increase survival rates: studies show that survival to hospital admission for in-flight cardiac arrest patients is up to 36% with the use of an AED, compared to just 6% without one.
Even in cases of non-shockable rhythms, AEDs play a crucial role. Approximately 76% of AED applications are used for monitoring, aiding in the patient’s ongoing treatment.
Conclusion
In-flight cardiac arrest remains a rare but highly fatal event, predominantly affecting males and those with a history of cardiac issues. AEDs and trained personnel on flights are essential in improving survival rates. Ensuring that more airlines worldwide adopt similar mandates for AEDs can significantly enhance passenger safety and outcomes during these critical emergencies.
For more information on aviation-friendly AEDs and their life-saving benefits, visit AED.us. Let’s work together to make every flight safer for everyone on board.
