Open AccessIs There a Doctor on‐Board?: Medical Liability during in‐Flight Emergencies
Author(s) -
Lateef F,
Tay CSK,
Nimbkar N
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
hong kong journal of emergency medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.145
H-Index - 12
eISSN - 2309-5407
pISSN - 1024-9079
DOI - 10.1177/102490790301000310
Subject(s) - crew , liability , medicine , medical emergency , on board , air travel , aeronautics , aviation medicine , population , emergency medical services , aviation , engineering , business , environmental health , finance , aerospace engineering
Provision of emergency medical care to passengers during flights on commercial aircraft is an issue which concerns many physicians. As world population ages and air travel increases, the number of medical events on board aircrafts is also expected to increase. This paper discusses the liability of the physician‐passenger who volunteers and renders care as well as advises the crew, on certain actions. Complex medico‐legal issues will be mentioned and there will be a brief discussion on the in‐flight environment and unscheduled landings.