1. Generally, are there any risks involved for any sick passengers traveling by plane?

First of all, airlines will not usually accept ill patients as it will be an added burden on them. Risks will be there depending upon what kind of illness and the severity of the illness.

Thus, depending upon severity, non-medical and medical escorts accompany patients. Medical escorts maybe nurse, paramedic or the doctor himself/herself, again depending upon illness. In case of severe illness, air ambulances are used which of course can be very expensive.

The risk itself is that because one is in the air and if something were to happen then hospital facilities would not be available besides first-aid and oxygen supplement. Type of risks will depend upon the type of illness involved.

Of course, all sick patients have to obtain a ‘fit to fly’ certificate from the concerned doctor before their flight.

2. Are there any special services for sick passengers on board (inside the plane) ?

On board aircraft medical facilities depend on aircraft size, flight duration and domestic or international flight.

Thus, in short hop domestic flights using small size aircraft not carrying 20-50 passengers, the medical facility will be limited to a first aid box just carrying basic items like bandages, antiseptics, antacids, anti empties, painkillers etc.

Larger international aircrafts will contain comparatively more different kinds of oral and liquid medications. Such aircrafts may also contain oxygen supplements and even a portable defibrillator called AED (automatic external defibrillator).

« »