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Publication AbstractsIn-Flight Psychiatric EmergenciesKen Matsumoto, M.D., and Deborah Goebert, Dr.P.H.Aviat Space Environ Med 2001; 72:919-23 AbstractBackground: Although studies have been published regarding airline in-flight medical emergencies, there is a lack of any specific studies about in-flight psychiatric emergencies. This study seeks to ascertain the incidence of in-flight psychiatric emergencies, their associated factors, and outcomes. Methods: All in-flight calls for physician consultation to MedAire, a leading medical resource for airlines, during 1997 were reviewed for psychiatric symptomatology. Results: Of 1375 consultations, 3.5% were characterized as psychiatric, with a large majority (90%) of these cases presenting primarily as acute anxiety. Most of the psychiatric cases (69%) required arrangements for the passenger to be evaluated on arrival, and three cases required emergency flight diversion and landing. Conclusions: This study suggests that an anxiolytic agent with a rapid onset may be indicated for the on-board medical kit.Keywords: anxiety, commercial airlines, in-flight emergency, medical kits, passenger health, psychiatry. Information on subscribing, and on obtaining copies of an article or of an entire issue. Table of Contents for Volume 72, Number 10 of the ASME journal.
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