Originally Posted by
mfirst
Over the years, I have probably responded to about half a dozen such events (both Dom and Int) - probably about 1/2 with passengers having pretty significant problems
- never involved in a diversion, although on a FRA-ORD, I felt that the circumstances warranted an emergent landing in ORD as that would have been better for the pass than diverting somewhere else with potentially limited access to his needed.... and often wondered how that decision is made (I know of an interesting story about that which was shared with me....)
I have found that UA (vs some of the other airlines in which this issue has come up) is much better prepared - but I still sense there is a long way to go
.... and, to be blunt, as a professional taking a huge risk (not to mention the disruption in my flying experience), I have mixed feelings about the "thank you" response from UA
I know this can be a hot topic for healthcare providers who travel (and not just doctors) but also for passengers (a recent diversion to ORD that is making the rounds on the blogs prompted this thought) as well as the "patient/passenger"
hence, maybe we can discuss some thoughts and experiences?
-m
I have been reluctantly involved in a few over the years. I generally only answer after the third request. Not much in terms of feedback or thanks from United. Once though I got a call a day later from corporate office thanking me and saying that they will remember my efforts (how I have no clue). Never once did I get feedback on how the sick person did. The captain generally I have found to be very responsive and they are deferent to one's professional opinion. They seem to be in touch though with a medical team on the ground which is giving advice also on what to do with a sick passenger. Sometimes that the advice could be questionable like once they were telling me to give strong antiplatelet (blood thinning) medication for a passenger having a neurological event in which my clinical diagnosis was a possible bleed in the brain (and a blood thinner would have made it worse).
The liability issue is a big one. Because the captain sometimes has asked if the medical condition is such that ir needs immediate attention (ie diversion) or can it wait till reach the destination. Of course whatever answer one gives can have implications for the sick person or the airline. Personally, I prefer to have my noise canceling headphones on and not hear any of the announcements!