What is Contingency360?

Contingency360 is MedAire's specialized contingency planning and risk management platform for business aviation and private jet operators. It helps companies prepare for and respond to emergencies with tailored crisis management and risk intelligence support.

Who is Contingency360 designed for?

Contingency360 is exclusively for business aviation operators, private jet owners, charter management companies, and flight departments requiring global emergency response and crisis readiness.

What features does Contingency360 provide?

Features include crisis management playbooks, risk monitoring, communication workflows, and 24/7 access to MedAire's global emergency response network, tailored to business aviation needs.

Case Study | Managing a Kidney Stone Crisis In-Flight

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An in-flight medical emergency highlights the importance of connectivity and expert support in commercial aviation. Medical incidents during flights are a known operational risk, especially on long-haul routes. While most in-flight events do not result in diversions, the ability to manage medical conditions effectively in real-time is crucial for passenger safety and operational efficiency.

THE CASE

Two hours into a ten-hour flight from London to New Delhi, a passenger reported abdominal pain in the lower left region to the cabin crew. The passenger was in visible discomfort, walked to the lavatory, and vomited.

Following protocol, the crew utilized MedAire's In-Flight App to guide them through a structured assessment, ensuring they asked the right questions and collected comprehensive patient data.

CHALLENGES

Initial Uncertainty: The passenger's symptoms required careful evaluation to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment approach.
Operational Considerations: The decision to continue the flight or divert required careful evaluation of the passenger's condition, potential risks, and available treatment options.

Need for Expert Aviation Medical Guidance: While medical volunteers may be available onboard, many are not trained in aviation medicine and may be unfamiliar with the unique challenges of treating patients at altitude. The crew required specialized aviation medical expertise to proceed confidently with treatment recommendations.

MedAire's Support

The crew completed the assessment using the In-Flight App and transmitted the data to MedLink. They then called MedLink, where the physician on duty was able to provide immediate guidance, having already received the comprehensive patient information via the app.

Thanks to the detailed information provided upfront, the MedLink physician immediately made a diagnostic impression of kidney stones based on the location and description of the pain. Given the severity of the discomfort and presence of vomiting, an injectable pain medication would be most appropriate to control the pain, along with another medication to help with the nausea. The MedLink physician verified the presence of adequate medication for this treatment approach.

The crew was instructed to retrieve the Enhanced Emergency Medical Kit (EEMK) and page for a medical volunteer among the passengers. The EEMK, a testament to MedAire's commitment to safety and expertise, is equipped with advanced medications and tools designed to manage severe medical conditions, including cardiac events, allergic reactions, and severe pain.

A nurse responded to the request for a medical volunteer. Following MedLink's instructions, the nurse was able to locate the medications in their respective pouches inside the medical kit and administered the appropriate treatments, confident in the specialized aviation medicine expertise provided. MedLink instructed the flight to call back within 40 minutes to assess the passenger's response to treatment.

At the follow-up call, the passenger showed significant improvement, with reduced pain levels and no further vomiting. With the passenger's condition stabilizing, MedLink advised the crew to continue with the planned route to New Delhi, instructing them not to hesitate in calling back if there was any deterioration in the passenger's condition.

The passenger continued to improve throughout the remainder of the flight, experiencing only minor residual discomfort. MedLink coordinated with ground services to ensure emergency medical assistance would be available upon arrival in New Delhi.

SUCCESSFUL OPERATION

The flight proceeded without further incident, and upon landing in New Delhi, the passenger received prompt medical attention. The collaborative efforts of the cabin crew, the onboard medical volunteer, and MedAire's MedLink service ensured the passenger's safety and well-being throughout the flight.

This case underscores the importance of connectivity and expert support in managing in-flight medical emergencies. MedAire's In-Flight App, comprehensive medical kits, and MedLink service provided the crew with the tools and guidance necessary to handle a complex medical situation effectively. With MedLink handling over 50,000 in-flight medical events annually, this expertise enables crews to manage medical emergencies with confidence.

The seamless integration of technology and expert medical advice exemplifies how commercial airlines can enhance passenger safety and operational continuity, even in challenging circumstances. Through MedAire's comprehensive approach to aviation medical support, traveling becomes a well-secured adventure rather than a risk.

Case Study | Managing a Kidney Stone Crisis In-Flight

THE CASE

CHALLENGES

MedAire's Support

SUCCESSFUL OPERATION

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