Kits help aviation crews prepare for the unexpected 

NBAA - ORLANDO, Fla., Oct. 6, 2008 – Fever, nausea, muscle strain, allergic reaction and shortness of breath. A variety of medical events can happen when traveling remotely – even as remote as 30,000 feet in the air. When pilots are faced with the unexpected – and the inability to call an ambulance – they need the best, most accessible  resources to remedy the situation. That’s why medical experts from MedAire Inc., the global leader in aviation medical care, continuously evaluates its MedLink® telemedicine case data to update its Emergency Medical Kits and Aircraft First Aid Kits. Having access to latest medications, such as a quick-dissolve anti nausea tablet, enables crewmembers to help their passengers – and often themselves – when the unexpected happens.

“Each year, we review data about kit usage,” said Paulo M. Alves, M.D., and MedAire’s vice president of Medical Services. “We look at which items are used to treat onboard ailments and how often refills of certain medications and supplies are requested. We also track emergency trends – medical events happening from year to year, and on domestic versus international flights. Another important aspect of our review involves paying close attention to developments in the pharmaceutical industry – carefully weighing the costs and benefits of newly released medications.”

Another key component is staying abreast of the newest, most effective medications. Taking such measures ensures that crewmembers have access to the most appropriate treatment tools – contents that are geared specifically to managing in-flight emergencies. Not only can MedAire kits increase the comfort of the patient, but they can also reduce the need to deviate from a scheduled flight plan.

Since July 1, all newly purchased and refurbished MedAire Emergency Medical Kit and Aircraft First Aid Kits include additional medications* and supplies to stave off medical events such as severe nausea and vomiting, staph infections, allergic reactions, pain from bladder infections and more. Additionally, several supplies were removed due to infrequent use.

*Antibiotics included only in kits with prescription options, which requires the advice from an emergency care physician at MedAire’s MedLink Global Response Center.

PHOTO LINK:  http://www.medaire.com/kititems.asp