In Summary: Aircraft medical kits typically include first aid supplies, medications, breathing support items, survival tools, and equipment for checking vital signs. The exact contents vary by aircraft type, route, and whether the operator is an airline or private flight department.
Before MedAire introduced the first specialized medical kits designed for aviation, onboard first aid was meant to assist in the survival of an accident, not to mitigate medical emergencies of passengers.
Since then, aviation medical provision has evolved to include advanced medical kits, Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), and Digital Assessment Kits (DAKs) to improve the quality of in-flight medical response.
These kits are shaped by learnings from over 1,000,000 cases, with annual suitability reviews by aviation physicians.
The most common in-flight medical events are neurological (primarily fainting and dizziness), gastrointestinal (nausea, vomiting), respiratory issues, and cardiovascular symptoms. Kits are designed to address these, as well as a wide range of injury and illness. Aircraft medical kits differ by aircraft type and regulatory authority, but most contain:
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First Aid & Wound Care: Supporting the most common in-flight medical issues Dressings, Bandages, Antiseptics and Splints Vital Signs equipment: The cleaner the medical data, the more accurate clinical decisions will be Digital blood pressure cuffs, Thermometers, Pulse oximeters, Glucometers |
Medications: Including Non‑Prescription with MedAire’s authorisation Cardiac, allergy, and respiratory medications, Anti nausea and pain relief, respiratory inhalers Survival & Support Equipment: For Passenger stabilization Emergency blankets, Flashlights, CPR masks, Oxygen tubing |
MedAire produces 17 kits globally every hour.
MedLink provides 24/7 real time medical guidance to flight crews. When a crew member calls MedLink they:
1. Collect patient information and/or vitals.
This can be over the phone or through MedAire’s In-Flight App, a powerful patient assessment tool that can speed up assessment and reduce crewmember stress
2. The doctor reviews symptoms and provides immediate instructions.
MedAire physicians can view an aircraft’s medical kit inventory, allowing them to recommend treatments based on exactly what is onboard.
3. The physician advises whether diversion is necessary.
If a diversion is required, MedAire uses clinically validated, continuously updated global medical facility information to guide the aircraft, while the crewmember support the patient.
Aircraft medical kits are shaped by requirements and guidance from aviation authorities such as:
ICAO (global): Sets international Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) for onboard medical supplies, which are adopted by national regulators.
FAA (United States): Regulates medical kits under 14 CFR Part 121 (Section 121.803) and Part 135 (Section 135.177).
EASA (Europe): Defines requirements through CAT.IDE.A.220 and CAT.IDE.A.225, enforced by national aviation authorities.
Beyond meeting aviation requirements, MedAire supports kit quality through ISO 9001 processes, controlled medication management, and structured audit controls. MedAire fulfills kits globally through primary hubs in Phoenix and Paris, producing more than 150,000 kits each year.
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FAK / AFAK |
EMK |
Enhanced EMK |
AEDs |
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FAK / AFAK: For common onboard issues Designed to support crew in managing routine medical issues with non‑prescription medications and basic first aid supplies. |
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EMK: Includes prescription medications Includes prescription medications and diagnostic equipment, allowing advanced care under the guidance of a MedLink physician or medical professional. |
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Enhanced EMK: Expanded medications for carriers with complex routes An extension of the standard Emergency Medical Kit (EMK), offering advanced medications and equipment |
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AEDs: Required for most commercial operations Enables rapid defibrillation during sudden cardiac arrest, significantly improving survival rates by allowing crew to deliver immediate, guided treatment before advanced medical care is available. |
Business aviation requires more flexibility due to varied passenger profiles and long range missions:
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Advanced First Aid Kit (AFAK) |
Emergency Medical Kit (EMK) |
Advanced Aviation Medical Kit (AAMK) |
Paediatric Medical Kit (PMK) |
Digital Assessment Kit (DAK) |
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Advanced Aviation Medical Kit (AAMK) Basic First Aid Kit that supports most in-flight medical events and maintains regulatory compliance for your aircraft. |
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Emergency Medical Kit (EMK) Enhanced tools and doctor-prescribed medications to support the most serious of in-flight medical events |
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Advanced Aviation Medical Kit (AAMK) Most comprehensive kit combining the best of the AFAK and EMK into one convenient kit |
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Paediatric Medical Kit (PMK): MedAire’s dedicated solution for addressing the unique medical needs of passengers under 12 |
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Digital Assessment Kit (DAK) Eenables crew to quickly capture and transmit accurate vital signs and diagnostic data, including a 12‑lead ECG, to MedLink clinicians, supporting faster assessment and more informed in‑flight medical decisions. |
Selection depends on:
A properly matched kit can improve onboard response and reduce unnecessary diversions.
Choosing the right kit means matching onboard equipment to the aircraft, the mission, and the support available in-flight and on the ground. While regulations define minimum requirements, real preparedness comes from equipping crews with the right tools and expert support to respond effectively. When medical kits are well chosen, regularly maintained, and clinically supported, they form a critical part of the aircraft’s overall safety system.